Man guilty of brain damage attack

11 February 2011, 06:00 | Updated: 21 February 2011, 14:35

A former dustman was left with permanent brain damage after being hit with a metal bar in a row at his home.

The bar, which was from a weight-lifting frame, left a hole in the head of 42 year old Terence Howard, who worked in Welwyn Garden City.

Luton crown court heard that the injury left Mr Howard, who is a grandad, permanently and seriously disabled. He cannot remember the attack, can no longer work and is cared for full time by his wife.

Yesterday (Thursday February 10th) his attacker Daniel Francis, 25, was convicted of causing of inflicting grievous bodily harm on 23 March last year.  He was cleared of the more serious charged of gbh with intent.

Francis, formerly of Gregson Close, Borehamwood, now of Bedale Court, Chilwell, Nottingham had gone round to Mr Howard's home in Ashley Drive after his former girlfriend had claimed that during a row some spit from Mr Howard had ended up on her face.

During a confrontation Francis used the bar to twice hit Mr Howard, said prosecutor Michael Speak.

Francis claimed he had been acting in self defence.

Judge Marie Catterson remanded Francis in custody and told him: "I say straight away you can expect a custodial sentence for this offence."

He is due to be sentenced at St Albans crown court after 7 March.