Man jailed after launching samurai sword attack on partygoer in car park

Edward Doughty swung the weapon a number of times in the direction of Craig Johnson as he confronted him in a car park close to his home on Delph Lane in Whiston.

Doughty repeatedly struck Mr Johnson across his palms and leg with one blow severing his hand to the bone as the victim desperately tried to protect his head from Doughty's onslaught.

Liverpool Crown Court heard how Chris Hawker, who was a neighbour of Doughty's in Stuart House, would frequently host parties and drinking sessions to the annoyance of nearby residents.

At around 4.30pm on June 1 this year, Mr Johnson and another man were waiting for a taxi in the car park after leaving Mr Hawker's flat when Doughty, 47, and his son arrived back home.

A confrontation between the two groups took place with "pushing and shoving" before Doughty smashed a window at Mr Hawker's property.

He then went to his own flat and returned armed with the samurai sword before launching the attack on Mr Johnson.

Leaving his victim slumped in the car park, Doughty handed the sword to his son who hid it in his father's flat before the older man got in his car and escaped the scene.

The scene at Stuart House in Whiston following the attack

Doughty was later charged with dangerous driving after it emerged that he had driven towards Mr Johnson and his friends causing them to leap out of the way.

During a trial of issue before sentencing, Julian Nutter, defending Doughty, claimed the impact of Mr Johnson's injuries on his lifestyle was less serious after pictures emerged on social media of him enjoying a four week holiday in Poland during the summer.

Videos and images showed Mr Johnson, 33, clubbing, taking part in a go-cart race and riding a scooter despite him describing how his injuries had meant he could no longer enjoy hobbies like fishing or play guitar.

"We all know what the Japanese did with samurai swords during the second world war," said Mr Nutter. "But there is no evidence of life-long dependency - things are getting better for him."

Mr Johnson told the court how he had required surgery on his hands and legs to repair nerves and tendons in the aftermath of the attack and continued to require physiotherapy and other treatment to improve the range of motion in his hands.

He said that doctors had told him his left hand would probably never function in the same way again.

"You're putting these things up on Facebook and you look like you're having a nice time," said Mr Nutter.

"I'm just trying to celebrate life," answered Mr Johnson.

The scene on Delph Lane following Edward Doughty's attack on Craig Johnson

Sentencing Doughty, who pleaded guilty to wounding with intent, dangerous driving, possession of a bladed article and criminal damage, to eight and half years in prison, Judge Andrew Menary, QC, said the defendant had armed himself with a "fearsome weapon".

"It was out of all proportion with any grievance you had," said Judge Menary. "Provocation there might have been but you effectively hunted Mr Johnson down in the car park and attacked him with this sword.

"You were aiming for his head and body and he clearly has defensive injuries including an outrageous one to his hand.

"I have no doubt his hand would have been severed if the sword had not hit bone. It is pure good fortune that you did not kill him."

The court heard that Doughty had 122 previous convictions for offences including robbery and domestic violence.

"There is a part of you that is capable of extreme violence," continued Judge Menary. "Any member of the public would be outraged that someone would arm himself with such a weapon over such a trifling incident."

Judge Menary also rejected any suggestion that the seriousness of Mr Johnson's injuries were undermined by his holiday in Poland.

"None of that undermines the conclusion that this was a man who was severely injured and continues to suffer - it does not suggest he has exaggerated the nature of his injuries."

Doughty will also face a driving disqualification of 12 months upon his release from prison and will need to retake his test.