Man guilty of 'horrendous' hammer attack

A man has been found guilty of repeatedly hitting his victim on the head with a hammer in what has been described by police as a "horrendous" attack.

Nathan Scholey, 32, assaulted the man in his 40s following an argument on Melksham High Street on 17 October.

In a statement read to Winchester Crown Court, the victim said he suffered from psychological trauma and the attack left him feeling vulnerable, anxious and less sociable.

Scholey, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.

Following the verdict on Thursday, Wiltshire Police Det Con Paul Baldock said there was "simply no place" in society for "such aggressive behaviour" or carrying a hammer with the intent to use it as a weapon.

He commended the victim for helping to bring Scholey to justice.

"The effects of such a horrendous and unwarranted attack remain with the victim, who has told the court of the lasting psychological trauma some months afterwards," Baldock said.

Scholey was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing on 30 October.

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