A MAN lay in wait for his neighbour before attacking him with an axe and a hammer in attempt to “end his life”, a court heard.

Sam Wad-Hashimi was sentenced to 10 years and eight months for the attack on his neighbour Victor Ogunidipe, on July 15, last year.

Bolton Crown Court heard that Wad-Hashimi lived in a top floor flat adjacent to his victim, in Deane Road, Bolton.

On the day in question he waited two hours for his neighbour to return home, in order to carry out the attack.

Defending, Richard Dawson said Wad-Hashimi, aged 36, was under the perception that his neighbour was “out to get him”. He added: “He said Mr Ogunidipe had taken steps to antagonise him which led to his decision to kill him.

“So he armed himself with weapons and waited for him to come home, then attacked him.”

The attack took place in the communal landing area, outside the defendant and his victim’s flats.

The court heard how Wad-Hashimi, who is originally from Eritrea, approached his victim and attempted to strike a blow to his head.

Mr Ogunidipe put his arm up to deflect the blow, but was caught on the left hand side of his face with the weapon.

He then ran down the stairs and fell halfway down, but was followed by Wad-Hashimi.

Prosecuting, Mark Kellet said: “Mr Ogunidipe was pursued by the defendant and was struck repeatedly with the weapon.” Despite the repeated attack, which caused Mr Ogunidipe injuries to his left ear, left side of his forehead and a skull fracture, he was able to get back up to his flat to call police.

On arrival, officers recovered an axe in a nearby alleyway and Wad-Hashimi was arrested and pleaded guilty to attempted murder.

He was interviewed on two occasions and in both told police how he “wanted to kill” Mr Ogunidipe and “end his life”.

Mr Kellet said: “When interviewed he said ‘I have hit my neighbour over the head with an axe, the one you have there, and caused the injury.

‘I lost my temper and was trying to kill him’.”

Because of his limited English, the court heard that officers explained how ‘wanting to kill someone’ could be a figure of speech.

But Mr Kellet added: “He confirmed to officers and said ‘to be honest with you I was trying to end his life. I lost my temper and wanted to finish him, kill him. I wanted him dead’ .”

In a victim impact statement, read out in court, Mr Ogunidipe said: “I am hoping that my physical injury will get better in time but my psychological damage is considerably worse.

“I am frightened when I go out and when I am around people and continually look over my shoulder thinking someone is going to get me.

“I am vulnerable when I’m at home.

“This attack has ruined my life.”

The court heard how Wad-Hashimi, who has no previous convictions, was born in Eritrea but moved to Saudi Arabia when he was four years old.

He moved to England in 2008 and was granted indefinite leave to remain in 2013.

He has since held a variety of warehouse type jobs including a fork lift driver and a packing assistant.

Mr Dawson said: “He is previously a man of good character, acting always as a responsible and useful member of the community.

“He has lived a law abiding life, so his involvement is of great surprise to all.”

Sentencing, Judge Timothy Clayson said: “In interview you said in clear terms you intended to kill him.

“You held a grudge against him because he was a ‘noisy neighbour’ but there is no evidence of this and Mr Ogunidipe said he had never fallen out with you or had bad words exchanged.

“You had a clear intention to kill him and you had lain in wait to do so.

“You took to the scene two potentially lethal weapons and used at least one of them.

“Mr Ogunidipe was undoubtedly fortunate that he was able to get away from you before you could inflict serious harm to him.”