'Dangerous' thug attacked man with hammer after he tried to break up a fight

A violent thug attacked a man with a hammer after he tried to stop a fight. James Cooney, 40, was in an altercation with another man on Oakmere Close in Bootle when he was approached by the innocent victim at around 8pm on July 26 this year.

After the victim, in his 50s, tried to step in between the two men, Cooney attacked him with a hammer and a trowel before fleeing the scene. The victim attended hospital for treatment to a serious head injury and is continuing to recover.

Cooney, of Lunt Avenue in Netherton, pleaded guilty to section 18 grievous bodily harm and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon. He appeared before Liverpool Crown Court this morning, Friday, November 8 where he was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.

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Speaking after the sentencing, investigating officer Detective Constable Immy Mahmood said: "This was an appalling incident which could have so easily resulted in catastrophic injuries to a man who was attempting to diffuse a volatile situation. However, the psychological impact of such an assault cannot be underestimated, and we hope that the outcome provides him with some sense of justice having been served.

"Cooney is clearly a dangerous man capable of causing serious harm, and he will now face significant time in jail to reflect upon his disgraceful actions in July. We are determined to identify and put before the courts anyone who brings violence into our communities."