A DINAS Powys man who launched a “ferocious and unprovoked attack” on his neighbour with a claw hammer has been detained in hospital for an indefinite period of time.

Alan Rogers yesterday (weds) pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 76-year-old Fred Hatch at Fairoaks sheltered housing accommodation in Dinas Powys on October 8 last year.

Cardiff Crown Court heard Mr Hatch suffered “catastrophic injuries” after he was struck by a claw hammer “six or seven times” by 73-year-old Alan Rogers.

Mr Hatch died in the early hours of the following morning on October 9.

The court heard Rogers, who was due to stand trial for murder before pleading guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, has since been diagnosed as suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.

Rogers told police at the time that he had a “moral duty” to kill Mr Hatch because he was guilty of “modern day witchcraft”. He said that Mr Hatch, along with another person, had the purpose of “harming sentient beings” and the only way to stop this was to kill him.

During sentencing the Honourable Mr Justice Warby KT said this was “completely absurd” and added: “It is perfectly clear that you are suffering from a mental illness in the form of paranoid schizophrenia; that you need treatment; and that you pose a risk to the public of serious harm, such that it is necessary to restrict your discharge.”

After imposing a hospital order he added: “That will bring little comfort to the victim’s family and friends but it will protect the public, and ensure that professional help is devoted to addressing the mental illness that led to this awful crime.”

He added: "It seems that there is little likelihood that the doctors would ever consider you safe enough to release into the community."

Barrister Michael Jones, prosecuting, said police received a phone call from Mr Rogers at 9.25am on October 8 with him saying he had just killed one of his neighbours with a hammer.

When police arrived at the sheltered accommodation they were met by a “bloody scene” with both men lying on the floor.

When they arrested Rogers on suspicion of attempted murder he said: “You don't need handcuffs with me I'm not a threat to you, only a threat to evil people.”

He later added in interview: "I have been waiting a long time to kill that man."

During his police interview Rogers admitted striking Mr Hatch “at least six times intending to kill him”.

He said he had been “waiting for an opportunity to get this man”.

The court heard Mr Hatch suffered “massive frontal head trauma” and “extensive complex fractures to his frontal skull and facial bones”

Fred and Enid Hatch, who had four children and six grandchildren together, had celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 15 just two months before his death.

He had worked for the Royal Navy, worked as a plumber and run his own heating and plumbing business, as well as running a shop in Dinas Powys for 10 years.

They had lived in Spain and travelled the world together, before returning to the UK in 2009 after Fred was diagnosed with leukaemia. They had moved into Fairoaks in 2012.

In a statement to police Enid Hatch said they were “golden oldies having the time of our lives” and had been planning on travelling to America.

Speaking outside court the family said in a statement: “Fred was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather.

“Fred was brutally murdered in a completely unprovoked attack by a reclusive neighbour.

“We are heartbroken as a family that we have been deprived of those final years of Fred’s life, sharing precious time and moments. Fred is missed by everyone who knew him; a kind, caring, placid, gentle man. Our lives have been changed forever and we are devastated.

“There is no justice that can diminish our loss but we are grateful that Alan Rogers will never have the opportunity to damage another family and cause the pain and hurt that has been inflicted on us.

“We would like to thank the emergency staff at the University Hospital Wales, the prosecuting counsel and South Wales Police for their professionalism and the care and attention they have provided to us as a family in shock. Their support has been exemplary throughout.”

Vincent Coughlin QC, in mitigation for Rogers, said he had pleaded guilty to manslaughter to avoid causing further distress to the family.

He added that he still stands by his delusions and accepts this offers no difference in the law.