Netherton man jailed for three and a half years following serious assault in Bootle

We are welcoming the sentencing of a Netherton man to three and a half years in prison after a serious assault in Bootle earlier this year.

James Cooney, 40, of Lunt Avenue, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Friday 8 November for Section 18 GBH with intent; and two counts of possessing an offensive weapon. Cooney pleaded guilty to all three offences at an earlier hearing.

At around 8pm on Friday 26 July, the victim, a man in his 50s, attempted to intervene when he saw an altercation between two men in Oakmere Close. 

One of the men, later identified as James Cooney, attacked the victim with a hammer and a trowel, before fleeing the scene. The victim attended hospital for treatment to a serious head injury, and is continuing to recover.

Speaking after the sentencing, investigating officer Detective Constable Immy Mahmood said: “This was an appalling incident which could have so easily resulted in catastrophic injuries to a man who was attempting to diffuse a volatile situation. However, the psychological impact of such an assault cannot be underestimated, and we hope that the outcome provides him with some sense of justice having been served.

“Cooney is clearly a dangerous man capable of causing serious harm, and he will now face significant time in jail to reflect upon his disgraceful actions in July.

“We are determined to identify and put before the courts anyone who brings violence into our communities. If you have any information about incidents of violence, please contact us @MerPolCC on X, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or their online form: Give Information Anonymously | Crimestoppers.

Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.