A deranged nightime axeman, who sneaked up on his unsuspecting victim as he sat on a park bench - plunging the weapon into the man’s head – has been locked-up indefinitely.
Thomas O’Connell, 26, (pictured) of Green Lanes, Haringey almost killed the victim who continues to recover from severe head injuries, which have left him unable to use his right arm or walk properly and with severe memory loss.
The defendant pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to attempting to murder 26 year-old Marcin Dzioba in Finsbury Park on December 28, last year and received an indefinite hospital order.
Officers from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command began an investigation after police were called at 11.15pm.
The victim suffered multiple serious head injuries and had no chance to defend himself as O’Connell plunged the axe blade into his skull several times.
The defendant approached the police cordon still carrying the axe, which he claimed to have found in the park, but enquiries revealed he bought it from a local DIY store just before the attack.
Searches of his home revealed clothing stained with the victim’s blood.
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Keely Smith said: “Initially it was thought Mr Dzioba’s injuries were so severe he would die, but he has recovered remarkably well considering what he has been through.
“But the fact remains his life will never be the same again and our thoughts are with him and his family.”