Man jailed for attacking gay partner with meat cleaver

A gay man has been jailed for 12 months for attacking his partner with a meat cleaver.

Lee Barnard, 34, of Penrhiwceiber near Mountain Ash, attacked Mark Baigrie, 32, with the knife when they had a row in their kitchen on May 6th.

Baigrie told Merthyr crown court he could have been “chopped in half” if Barnard had used more force, BBC News reports.

The court heard that Barnard had been about to chop chillies when he “lashed out” with the cleaver during the argument.

As Baigrie played dead by lying on the floor, Barnard called 999 and said: “I’ve hit my boyfriend. I’ve plonked him on the head.”

The court heard the pair had a “volatile” relationship, but Bargrie said it was also caring and generous.

Barnard, who works in a children’s home, was found guilty of unlawful wounding.

Baigrie was treated for a cut on the top of his head which required 13 stitches.