Hammer case: Questions remain

2003-06-18 08:30

Vera Schoeman

Port Elizabeth - The puzzle regarding a hammer attack on a young man by his bosom buddy will probably never be solved.

Matthew Marsland, 22, is disabled after the attack in south London and needs constant care. His father, Philip, met a London police commissioner on Tuesday to try and find some answers to all their questions - but to no avail.

His son's friend and flatmate, Nicholas Northard, also from Uitenhage, admitted in a London court on Monday that he had attacked his friend with a hammer on July 9 last year.

He slit his wrists and cut his throat afterwards, but survived the suicide attempt. Month-long investigations to discover the motive have been fruitless.

Marsland asked the police specifically if drugs could have played a part, but they denied this and said apart from a small percentage of alcohol, no chemical substances had been found.

A psychological report handed in showed that Northard could be held accountable for his actions, but that he couldn't remember anything about the attack.

Marsland said his son's treatment in a rehabilitation centre costs about R20 000 per week.

- Die Burger