A MAN who attacked his 72-year-old uncle during a psychotic episode was only charged with assault by beating despite hitting him over the head with a poker.

Details of the frenzied attack by Patrick William Laverty from Burnley were heard by Blackburn magistrates but there was no reason or explanation given for the attack.

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The magistrates said Laverty could easily have killed his uncle when he attacked him in his own home.

Laverty, 40, of Copy Wood Farm, Glen View Road, pleaded guilty to assaulting Michael Laverty, driving while disqualified and without insurance.

He was sentenced to 17 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, and made subject to a community order with 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement concentrating on mental health issues.

He was banned from driving for 18 months, ordered to pay £200 compensation and made subject to a restraining order for 12 months which prohibits him from having any contact with his uncle or entering Out Street, Padiham, where he lives.

Enza Geldard, prosecuting, said Michael Laverty and his partner were at home when Laverty walked in shouting at his uncle but making very little sense.

“Mr Laverty went into the living room but his nephew followed and suddenly started punching him about the head and body,” said Mrs Geldard.

“He then picked up a poker and hit his uncle four or five times about the head with force.

Mr Laverty told police he didn’t stand a chance and thought he was going to die.

“I have no idea why Patrick has done this but he is dangerous and needs dealing with,” said he said.

“I used to be a boxer in my prime but the ferocity of the attack was such I couldn’t do anything."

The court was told Laverty was made subject of a suspended prison sentence in 2014 for robbery and dangerous driving.

Nick Dearing, defending, said that incident also related to his client’s mental health problems.

“He believed he was being pursued by armed men and was being shot at,” said Mr Dearing. “When his car ran out of petrol he stopped a passing motorist and took her car.

"He drove around Preston still believing he was being shot at.”