Hammer attacker jailed

A hammer-wielding attacker who knocked a neighbour unconscious and caused him 18 injuries was today given an indeterminate jail term.

A hammer-wielding attacker who knocked a neighbour unconscious and caused him 18 injuries was today given an indeterminate jail term.

Simon Spencer, 38, of Beech Court, Dereham, was described as a danger to the public by recorder Simon Spence, sitting at Norwich Crown Court.

The judge said he had decided on a term of five years of which Spencer must serve two-and-a-half before he can be considered by the parole board who will not release him unless they are satisfied he is no longer a danger.

Spencer admitted wounding Shaun Bemrose with intent to do him grievous bodily harm on September 23 last year.

Stephen Spencer, prosecuting, said that Mr Bemrose was asleep in the early hours of the morning when he heard banging and shouting outside.

He thought police officers were outside so he opened the door and was faced by a man wielding a hammer, who turned out to be the defendant Spencer.

Spencer struck him about his head and body and knocked him unconscious. Mr Bemrose came round and found Spencer, who had been a neighbour and with whom he had been drinking, in front of him He had no idea why he was attacked.

The bottom of his door had been damaged.

When first arrested Spencer denied the offence, claiming he was the one who had been attacked.

The court heard Spencer had previous convictions for assault and for robbery in June 2001 for which he was sent to prison for 42 months.

Michael Clare, defending, said that the DNA had been “overwhelming” and so Spencer had pleaded guilty and accepts he went to Mr Bemrose's house.