Craig Johnson jailed to 13 months after being convicted of assaulting another man in Lowestoft

A 35-year-old man has been jailed for more than a year after being convicted of assaulting another man in Lowestoft.

Craig Johnson, of no fixed address, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court last Wednesday, where he was sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment.

He had previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm without intent.

The incident was earlier this year during the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, May 15.

The court heard that the victim, a 56-year-old man, was walking through the town centre with a friend when they were approached by Johnson, who was asking for drugs.

The victim and his friend said they did not have any and Johnson then walked off.

He then returned a short time later and found the victim and his friend sitting in a doorway in London Road North.

At this point, Johnson swore at the victim and then smashed a glass over his head.

He suffered three lacerations to the side of his head.

Police and the ambulance service were called and officers arrived at the scene within a few minutes, where Johnson was arrested.

When he was being booked into custody, he then said to a detention officer: “I’ll glass you as well.”

Johnson was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, which he pleaded not guilty to, but he admitted causing grievous bodily harm without intent and the court accepted this plea.

Ian McBrearty, detective constable of east CID in Lowestoft, said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack on a vulnerable man who was homeless at the time of the incident.

“The victim sustained three nasty cuts to his head and it is both fortunate and by pure chance he wasn’t more seriously injured.

“He has now been left fearing for his safety when in the town centre.

“Craig Johnson admitted to being intoxicated at the time of the incident and was receiving treatment for alcoholism.

“Although he denied intending to cause serious harm to the victim, it is extremely dangerous to hit someone with a glass and Johnson is now facing the consequences of his actions.”