Hammer attacker admits attempted murder mid-trial
Northumbria PoliceA man has admitted attempting to kill a woman with a hammer, changing his plea mid-trial.
Northumbria Police said Ross Clancy, 39, went on a "crime-spree" after he attacked the couple in their home in Elswick, Newcastle, in November.
Both victims, aged in their 60s, were strangers to Clancy. The woman remains in hospital with life-changing injuries four months after the attack.
As well as admitting one count of attempted murder, Clancy, of Dunholme Road, who fled in his victims' car, also admitted burglary with intent to steal and theft of a motor vehicle. He will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on 19 May.
Det Ch Insp Mark Atherton said the couple were "viciously attacked" by a stranger.
"Most concerningly, they had never met Ross Clancy before he went on to steal from them and go on a crime-spree after fleeing the scene," he said.
"While he was initially going to put the victims and their families through a lengthy trial at court, he has now admitted his guilt."
Northumbria Police claimed Clancy went on to carry out a series of crimes at properties across Gateshead and Newcastle, including assaulting another woman in Elswick.
The 39-year-old was arrested two days later and was initially charged with a string of offences, including two counts of attempted murder.
"Though today's outcome is positive, it must be highlighted that there is a woman who has remained in hospital ever since being assaulted that day," Atherton said.
"Sadly, she sustained life-changing injuries at the hands of Clancy and continues to receive specialist treatment."
