A NURSE who almost killed his boyfriend by battering him across the head with a claw hammer has been jailed for eight years.

Leslie Walt lashed out at his partner of 25 years after both men had been drinking and argued at the home they shared in Crookhall, Consett, County Durham.

After striking him six times the 49-year-old called an ambulance and tried to stem the flow of blood to help him as he lay injured on their settee.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the attack on the 48-year-old former mental health nurse took place at Brook Cottages one evening late last year.

David Lamb, prosecuting, said: “His skull was badly fractured and there was an open fracture to his crown along with a large swelling to his temple.

“The bones in the skull were broken, He was cold to the touch. His body, in the opinion, of the paramedic, was going into shut down.”

The injured man was taken to the RVI’s intensive care unit and had to undergo an emergency operation to remove fragments of bone from his brain.

He spent a lengthy period in various hospitals and has returned home but is unable to live unaided and has visits from carers four times a day.

The court heard he walks with a stick, will not be able to work as a mental health nurse and it is unlikely he will ever drive a car again.

Walt, who has no previous convictions, was initially charged with attempted murder, but pleaded guilty to wounding with intent at a hearing earlier this year.

Daniel Cordey, mitigating, said: “He is very remorseful. He deeply regrets what he has done to man he loves.”

Mr Cordey said Walt was a "mild mannered man" and had suffered emotional and verbal abuse from his partner who had developed a problem with alcohol over the years.

He said: “What occurred that day is not the norm. It is very much out of character.”

The court heard the injured man had visited his former partner while he was in prison on remand and they are still in touch with each other.

Judge Paul Sloan, Recorder of Newcastle, said Walt would serve at least half his sentence in custody and the remaining period on licence.

The judge said: “The injuries were very serious and the attack was sustained. A weapon was used.

“The attack occurred in the victim’s own home where he should have been safe and that represents a breach of trust.

“I accept that you are disgusted by your behaviour that night and you genuinely remorseful.”