Brute jailed after attacking father and daughter with metal pole

David Johnson went to a house where the victims were visiting a family friend and claims he lashed out because he felt threatened.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the dad and daughter both suffered lacerations and were left traumatised.

Prosecutor Nick Murphy told the court Johnson had known the daughter for many years and they had been in a casual relationship before the violence.

Mr Murphy said the relationship had deteriorated in the days before the attack and unpleasant messages had been exchanged, which included Johnson receiving threats.

On June 2 last year Johnson went to a house where the victims were with a friend and a verbal argument led to violence.

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Mr Murphy said Johnson hit the dad with the pole first and when the daughter tried to intervene the weapon was turned on her.

The dad and daughter attended hospital but left without receiving treatment due to the long waiting tme.

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Johnson, 34, of Mabel Street, Gateshead, who has a criminal record and was on a suspended prison sentence for damage and threats, admitted two charges of assault.

Mr Recorder Mark McKone KC sentenced him to 18 months behind bars.

Rachel Hedworth, defending, said Johnson's mental health had deteriorated and he ended up the worst injured when he made the "foolish decision" to go the address that night.