THE owner of a Cowley Road bar avoided jail for a hacksaw attack yesterday after friends sprung to his defence.

Hugh “Andy” Anderson, who runs the Hi-Lo Jamaican Eating House, was found guilty last month of attacking a customer.

But Reading Crown Court Recorder Sandeep Kainth gave him a suspended sentence after reading character references given by friends.

He said: “The reason I have not sent you to prison is that I accept that it is highly unlikely you will be back before the court.”

He said: “This offence took place 18 months ago, the references I have read in respect of you are excellent, the assistance you have been to the community over the years, and the fact that I have read in these letters that you are a role model, all tends to suggest to me that you are unlikely to be back.”

Anderson, who claimed he was 73 and not 63 as stated on court papers, and wife Janet yesterday thanked friends for rallying around.

Jurors last month heard Sean Tizard got into a dispute with Anderson after straying into the DJ booth on October 3, 2010.

Prosecutor Charles Ward Jackson said the victim was thrown into the street and pursued by Anderson, who was holding a hacksaw.

Mr Ward Jackson said: “The defendant struck the victim repeatedly across the head with the hacksaw, causing three gashes to his forehead.”

Anderson, who has run the former haunt of PM David Cameron since 1981, claimed he was involved in the dispute but not the attack.

Peter Lownds, defending, said the references “speak of his warmth, kindness, generosity of spirit, selflessness, his investment in the community and really helping to develop East Oxford”. In a letter to the judge, a former police officer said he had never seen Anderson “act inappropriately” despite “some significant provocation”.

A Cowley Road resident said Anderson was an “extremely laid back man, who has always been smiling, friendly and helpful”.

He said: “He is a thoughtful, intelligent man who cares about those around him, both friends, family and community alike.”

Anderson told the Oxford Mail: “It shows the difference between what the prosecutor has been saying and what the people are saying.

“I respect all of them. It is beautiful.”

Mrs Anderson, 61, said: “It was really heartening to read these things people have said.

“You find out who your friends are and we have some good quality friends.”

She added: “It has been an absolute nightmare hanging over us that, at this stage of his life, he would have to eat prison food.”

The jury unanimously found Anderson guilty of unlawful wounding last month but cleared him of possessing an offensive weapon and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Anderson was handed a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, ordered to carry out 200 hours community work and pay £1,000 compensation to his victim.