Suspended sentence for man and woman who attacked two people in Derry with hammer

A judge at Derry Crown Court has told a man and a woman who attacked two people in the city centre with a hammer that he would ‘take a chance on them both’ and imposed suspended sentences. 

Jonathan Patton (34) of Ebrington Mews and Nell Teresa Stokes (37) of St Brecon’s Park both in Derry admitted charges of affray, assault and possession of a hammer that occurred in August 19, 2022. 

The court was shown CCTV footage of the incident which occurred outside the Richmond Centre at around 6pm on that date. 

The defendants could be seen running towards a couple and attacking them with a hammer. 

One of the victims was struck in the buttocks area and Patton could be seen chasing him through the centre. 

He then returns to Stokes who was involved in an affray with a woman and gives her the hammer. 

When police arrived they found Stokes with the hammer and covered in blood. 

The court was told that both the defendants were currently subjected to an enhanced combination order and were making good progress. 

Sean Doherty barrister for Patton said his client had ‘behaved in a disgraceful manner’ and apologised for that. 

Stephen Chapman defence barrister for Stokes said there was ‘no getting away from the fact that this was disgraceful’. 

Judge Philip Babington said the offending was ‘a complete disgrace’ and had occurred in the middle of the city in front of members of the public including a child. 

He said that it was fortunate no serious injuries were sustained. 

He said Patton had 27 previous convictions and Stokes had 44. 

The judge said that the charge of affray carried a life sentence. 

He noted that both defendants were making progress with their probation orders and said he would not differentiate between them. 

He sentenced both to 14 months in prison suspended for two years and said he was taking a chance on them both.