A man who denied attacking his disabled friend with a bill hook after calling him a "no-good cripple" has been unanimously convicted of causing actual bodily harm.

Nicholas Hancock, 38, of Bartlemas Road, east Oxford, headbutted, punched and kicked former tree surgeon Kevin Norton after a drinking session.

As a result of the attack, which continued while Mr Norton lay on the ground, surgeons had to insert seven metal staples in his head. Mr Norton, who walks with a stick after an industrial accident, also suffered a gash to the back, caused by the bill hook.

The attack took place near Hancock's home in August last year after the pair had been drinking at the Philosopher and Firkin pub, in Cowley Road, Oxford.

Hancock had denied any knowledge of the attack, and Mr Norton initially declined to tell police his attacker's identity. He changed his mind when Hancock failed to apologise.

Asked why Mr Norton would have falsely accused him of the attack, Hancock said Mr Norton may have been jealous because he attracted more women.

Judge Peter Crawford QC remanded Hancock in custody until June 7 for pre-sentence reports.