A MAN who attacked his wife's former husband with a saw has walked free from court.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Christopher Cutler, 28, had no previous convictions while his victim, Andrew Turner, had been to prison for attacking his ex-wife, now Judith Cutler.

Recorder Alistair Webster, QC, said were it not for a background of provocation, the defendant would be going to prison.

The judge, who had read references on Cutler's behalf, including one from the Deputy Mayor of Rossendale, said there had been antagonism and hostility from Mr Turner towards Cutler.

He said the defendant was not a continuing risk to the public and Mr Turner's injuries had been relatively minor.

Cutler, of Westgate, Whitworth, was given 200 hours community service and must pay £250 costs. He admitted unlawful wounding, on March 20.

Nick Simmonds, prosecuting, said Cutler and his wife had taken her two daughters to Mr Turner's home in Accrington. The complainant asked to borrow money from his former wife and the defendant started shouting and being abusive.

Mr Turner said something and Cutler got out of the car, got a joiner's saw, went to Mr Turner and hit him at least twice.

Mr Turner suffered two cuts to the back of the head. After Cutler hit him with the saw, he turned and walked off and Mrs Cutler was worried about how he would come home. Andrew Turner went with her to her home, the defendant entered the house and he and Mr Turner ended up rolling around on the floor.

Angelina Dennett, defending, said the incident had been unpleasant, ugly and serious. Andrew Turner had served a prison term for assaulting the now Mrs Cutler and threatening to kill her.

He was released last December and was determined to make things difficult between her and her new partner.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.