A TEENAGER who threatened to chop his father to bits with a machete has been ordered to remain in a secure hospital for an indefinite time.

Tony Butler, aged 19, is still considered to be a danger to his father William, who was hit about 15 times with the machete when he called to check up on his son at his home in Edgeworth Close, Warndon, Worcester.

Mr Butler was concerned because he had not heard anything for several days about his son, who was having support in the community, and went to call on May 13 last year, Paul Whitfield, prosecuting, told Worcester Crown Court.

His son shouted at him to go away but he kept ringing the bell and Butler returned with a machete threatening to “chop him to bits.”

He swung a blow and his father put up an arm to defend himself. He then fell over and Butler carried on the attack.

Mr Whitfield said an eyewitness reported him striking 15 blows.

“Mr Butler used his body warmer to protect his hands and tried to grab the blade but the attack was too rapid,” Mr Whitfield said. “He feared he was going to die.”

Butler ran away and was later arrested. Mr Butler, who has rheumatoid arthritis, had cuts and bruises to the body and said his time in the Army meant he was used to dealing with attacks.

Butler pleaded guilty in August last year to wounding causing grievous bodily harm and of carrying an offensive weapon.

He has been in Brooklands Hospital in Birmingham in a secure unit.

Jason Patel, defending, said various agencies had been involved in trying to help Butler but his father had objected to their involvement and this led to his attack.

“He still harbours animosity and would be a risk to his father if they were to meet,” he said.

“He has shown no remorse and he has expressed to doctors an intention to cause further injury to his father.”

Judge John Cavell said it was a “very, very violent attack” and it was remarkable that the injuries were not more serious.

He said Butler suffers from a mental disorder of such a nature it needs treatment in hospital.

Butler was given a restritcion order under the Mental Health Act, which will require him to stay in hospital until the Home Office decides he is fit for release.