Neighbour who could have had 'head chopped off' in Leigh Park axe attack left fuming at lenient sentence for attacker

Victim David Derek blasted the leniency of the courts after saying Roland Triggs, who is also his cousin, should have been ‘locked up for a long time’.

Triggs marauded onto Mr Derek’s front garden in Brockenhurst Avenue, Leigh Park, on New Year’s Eve following an exchange of words.

But quick-thinking Mr Derek, 33, was able to fend off Triggs during the bizarre attack that took place in front of the victim’s 11-year-old son, who has been left ‘traumatised’ following the episode.

Triggs, also 33, was sentenced to four months jail suspended for 12 months for possessing an offensive weapon by recorder Noel Casey – effectively freeing the defendant after he had served two months on remand while waiting for his sentence at Portsmouth Crown Court.

Triggs, who is now back living opposite his relative once again, will also have to complete 20 rehabilitation days.

Mr Derek has been left dumbfounded by the sentence. He told The News: ‘To only get two months for trying to attack someone with an axe is unbelievable. The law needs to change.

‘Why aren’t we all going round attacking people? We could all just go out with a knife or whatever and do what we want and not worry about the sentence. He’s got away with it and is now walking around like cock of the walk.’

The attack happened after Triggs, sitting on a wheelie bin in his front garden, turned abusive after Mr Derek offered a pleasantry as he walked past to go and pick his children up.

After an exchange of words, Triggs ducked inside before bearing down on his relative with the hatchet. ‘He came running into my garden holding the axe. I thought he was having a laugh at first. I heard a neighbour shout “he’s got a weapon”,’ Mr Derek said.

‘He took a swing towards my left leg but I managed to stop him and get him in a headlock. My two neighbours then grabbed him off me.

‘He could have chopped my head or leg off. One blow and I could have been killed. He knew what he was doing - he had to go inside to get the axe.

‘All this happened in front of my 11-year-old son. He is now scared to go out on his own.’

Now Mr Derek has to endure living opposite to Triggs, who he grew up with and ‘never had any problems before with’.

Portsmouth City Council are now looking into matters. ‘I hope they do something. He could do it again. People down the road were friendly before but now keep to themselves,’ Mr Derek added.

A council spokeswoman said: ‘We're aware of the incident at Brockenhurst Avenue and have been in contact with all parties that were affected and are considering appropriate action.

‘Residents living in the area concerned about their safety should contact their housing officer via the Leigh Park Area Housing Office.’