Judges cut machete man's sentence (From Witney Gazette)

Judges cut machete man's sentence

2:54pm Friday 1st February 2008 in Witney

A CHIPPING Norton man who ran amok with a machete after his ex-wife took up with another man had his sentence reduced by top judges.

William Russell Forester, of West Street, was originally jailed for three years and nine months at Oxford Crown Court last October, after admitting threatening behaviour, damaging property and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.

The Court of Appeal, in London, heard last week the 44-year-old was in a state of emotional turmoil when he tried to smash his way into the former matrimonial home last April, finally using a slab of concrete to force his way inside.

The machete-wielding divorcee then wrestled with his wife's new boyfriend, Aaron Baker, who had to resort to using a hammer to fight off the attacker.

Mr Justice Wilkie - sitting in the court with judge Peter Beaumont - said Forester had spent the evening drinking in the pub, and arrived at the home of his ex-spouse, Sandra, in the early hours.

After hurling threats and obscenities at the house and surrounding neighbourhood, Forester approached the front door and tried to gain entry.

Mr Baker saw the Forester's hand snaking through the front door in an attempt to get in, although he was thwarted at this point.

Forester later threatened to 'slice' Mr Baker up with the savage blade.

Mr Justice Wilkie said Forester had undoubtedly been guilty of an 'appalling' offence, but said medical evidence suggested he might had been influenced by the effects of withdrawal from anti-depressants at the time.

It was also significant that neither Mr Baker, nor Forester's ex-wife bore him any lasting ill-will, having simply 'got on with their lives'.

The judge cut Forester's sentence to two-and-a-half years.