A violent attacker who launched a savage hammer and knife assault on two women as they were inside a home in Swanley has been jailed for nearly three decades.
Gerard Parkinson, 64, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to 28 years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years upon his release, following his conviction on two counts of attempted murder.
The brutal attack took place on the morning of 1 March 2023 at a property in Bonney Way. Parkinson approached his first victim in the kitchen and bludgeoned her over the head with a club hammer, knocking her unconscious. He then walked upstairs to a bedroom where a second victim was asleep, stabbing her in the chest with a knife and striking her head with the same hammer.
Despite her injuries, the sleeping victim managed to struggle with Parkinson. Her screams alerted a relative in the house, who disarmed Parkinson of the knife, sustaining hand injuries during the struggle, while the woman managed to escape.
As the first victim regained consciousness and attempted to flee the house, Parkinson set upon her again with the hammer. A courageous neighbour intervened outside, restraining Parkinson on the ground until police officers arrived at the scene.
Both victims required urgent hospital treatment for multiple serious injuries, with one suffering a punctured lung.
Parkinson, of Parkhill Road, Sidcup, had denied attempting to kill the women but was found guilty following a trial. He had previously pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice after placing a call from custody in a failed attempt to persuade one of the victims to drop her allegations.
Detective Sergeant Ashley Evans said:
‘Parkinson is a dangerous and violent individual responsible for a brutal and unprovoked attack on two defenceless women within their own home. One of the victims bravely fought him off as he tried to kill her while she slept, as evidenced by the multiple lacerations to her hands. Had she not managed to shout out and receive assistance it is highly likely the assault would have been fatal.
‘Both victims have shown tremendous courage in supporting our investigation and in having to also endure a court trial. I would also like to commend the two people who came to their assistance. I do help that the sentence delivered by the court will at least help them feel safe once again, knowing that Parkinson is behind bars for a considerable time and can cause no further harm.‘