with a machete.

Daniels first attacked Terry Wood in the warehouse at the MarketPlace in Shelly Bay.

He then chased him through the store and into the parking area.

And after his victim fell, Daniels hit him on his legs and his head. One wound needed 39 stitches.

Father-of-three Daniels was prevented from continuing his assault when employees and customers grabbed him.

The February 13 attack was described in Supreme Court yesterday by Crown Counsel Mr. Brian Calhoun.

Mr. Calhoun said store manager Wood was still in pain, and in fear for his life.

And many employees who witnessed the incident needed professional "post trauma'' counselling.

Mr. Richard Hector, defending, painted a picture of a caring hard-working family man, who had "snapped'' under pressure.

He said Daniels had acted out of character after his wife and mother suffered serious illnesses.

The Rev. Dr. Vernon Lambe, called to the witness stand by Mr. Hector, described Daniels as a "model father and husband''.

Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood jailed 40-year-old Daniels for three years for unlawful wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

He also sentenced him to six months for possessing an offensive weapon in public.

The two sentences are to run concurrently, and time spent in custody taken into account.

Daniels, of Link Lane, Hamilton Parish, had admitted both charges, and his guilty pleas spared him a much heavier sentence. Sir James said he would have put Daniels behind bars for up to eight years.

He said the court had to send a clear message to the public.

The court heard Daniels was employed as a janitor and handyman at the MarketPlace.

Mr. Calhoun said Daniels had been taking time off because of personal problems.

He was asked by Wood to deal with his problems and get back to work as soon as possible.

"The defendant in response swore at Mr. Wood and conveyed an intention to resign.

"Approximately one hour later, the defendant arrived at the store in possession of a paper bag containing a machete.'' Mr. Calhoun said Wood was on the telephone in the warehouse when Daniels attacked him.

"This attack continued as the victim fled through the main store and out into the parking lot.

"When the victim fell, the defendant again used the machete to strike the victim in his legs and the left side of his head.

"The defendant only stopped this attack upon being physically restrained by nearby store employees and customers.

"As a result of the attack the victim sustained various cuts and abrasions to his back, arms, legs and a wound to his left ear which required thirty nine stitches to close.

"Mr. Wood continues to experience pain and remains in fear for his life. The injury to his ear is highly visible and permanent, subject to plastic surgery.'' Mr. Calhoun added most of the 100 employees nearby saw the attack.

Mr. Hector urged Sir James to take into account Daniels' state of mind at the time of the incident.

"The offences were committed out of character.'' Mr. Hector said Daniels' wife had to be rushed abroad with a life-threatening illness. The medical bill came to $28,000.

And Daniels' daughter was also hurt in an accident, and his mother suffered a stroke, added Mr. Hector.

Character witness, Mr. William Astwood, of Warwick, said he had known Daniels for up to 20 years.

He said he had been "really shocked'' when he heard of the incident.