East London News A Force for the community…
IT WAS JUST after last Christmas that Paul Hugh Johnson, 54, of Clarence Road, Canning Town assaulted a 39 year old man at Clinton Road, Newham – in accommodation which they were sharing at the time.
At around 10.30pm on 22nd January Johnson approached his victim, accusing him of damaging Johnson’s washing machine. Johnson then fetched a sledgehammer and hit the victim three times across the head and shoulders.
The victim struggled and managed to grab the hammer – and then he fell down the stairs. The victim saw Johnson coming at him with a plank of wood – and then lost consciousness. Fortunately Johnson did not actually attack him further – and went off to play cards. When the victim came round, he rang police.
The London Ambulance Service attended and took the victim to an East London hospital. He had a wound on his head which needed six stitches.
The police arrested Johnson the same evening. He was interviewed and he denied that he had assaulted the victim. However, he was charged the following day. He appeared at Thames Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody until 12th July, when he appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court. A jury found him guilty of grievous bodily harm. He returned to Snaresbrook in September and was sentenced to eight years in prison.
Detective Constable Raf Patel, investigating officer at Newham CID, said, “This is a horrible and sustained attack on a fellow resident in the house. The victim is still recovering from his ordeal and is grateful to see justice served.”
•Read more about it:
Police play down Stratford attack
Two arrests on firearms issues in Newham
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