Brutal attack in barber shop
BROTHERS LAUNCHED VICIOUS ASSAULT
A BARBER shop customer was attacked by brothers who set a dog on him, beat him with a bat and knuckle duster and stamped on him.
Lance and Damion McGann had a grudge against David Lake because they believed he had reported them to police for robbing his brother last year.
Newcastle Crown Court heard Mr Lake, already vulnerable due to a preexisting brain injury, was getting his hair cut in South Shields when the McGanns burst in and inflicted a shocking attack on him.
Barry Robson, prosecuting, said: “Whatever their motive was, David Lake was getting his hair cut just after 5pm on February 24 when Lance McGann entered with a knuckle duster and Damion McGann entered shortly afterwards with a pit bull type terrier and what appeared to be a stick.
“Lance McGann immediately started attacking Mr Lake to the head and upper body with the knuckle duster and the dog, which was not on a lead, attacked Mr Lake, biting his calf.
“Lance McGann punched him and Damion McGann struck him with a wooden bat.
“Lance McGann punched him and Damion McGann struck him with a wooden bat.
“Both defendants were seen stamping on someone on the ground and Damion was using a bat.”
Mr Lake was taken to hospital and was found to have a large gash on the top of his head, lacerations, swelling, soreness and a dog bit to his calf.
He said in a victim impact statement: “I’m very concerned for my wellbeing because of my brain injury.
“I’m worried I could fall asleep and die and I’m worried I could be attacked again and not be able to survive. The attack was cowardly. People might call me a grass but this has threatened my life and they can’t get away with it.”
Damion McGann, 39, of Imeary Street, South Shields, has 68 previous convictions, including nine for violence.
Lance McGann, 32, of Copley Avenue, South Shields, has 24 previous convictions, including GBH with intent in 2008, for which he was given an indefinite sentence for public protection.
Both pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding after prosecutors dropped the initial charge of wounding with intent.
They also both admitted possessing an offensive weapon.
They were each jailed for 30 months, with Lance McGann’s licence period extended by an extra year as he is classed as dangerous.
Recorder Ian Mullarkey told them: “The barber and other witnesses were terrified by what was happening in front of them.
“This was a sustained assault involving a variety of weapons – a knuckle duster, bat, dog and a shod foot. “It’s a matter of good fortune he was not more seriously injured.
“This was a determined effort to administer a serious beating to him.”
The judge said the pre-sentence report showed Damion McGann “believes violence is acceptable and lacks victim empathy” and poses a high risk of harm.
And he added Lance McGann “poses a clear and serious risk” of harm.
Jane Foley, for Damion McGann, said his time in prison on remand has been unpleasant and that his 14-yearold son had a serious accident and he has felt “thoroughly helpless in his current situation”.
Jo Kidd, for Lance McGann, said he is working as a cleaner in prison and trying to help other inmates.
I’m worried I could fall asleep and die and I’m worried I could be attacked again and not be able to survive
Victim