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National
Rob Kennedy

Teenager who helped domestic violence victim attacked with machete by her Gosforth partner

A teenager was attacked with a machete while trying to help a woman who had been assaulted by her partner after a funeral.

The 17-year-old and his partner were walking past the home of Nathan Johnson as he left his partner sprawled on the ground by pushing her out of the house.

The teenagers helped the woman catch her dog, which Johnson had also ejected, and phoned the police.

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Johnson then emerged armed with a machete and used it to attack the 17-year-old, hitting him on the leg and causing a nasty wound.

Now the 32-year-old, of Kirkley Close, Gosforth, has been jailed for 58 months at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting wounding with intent, having a bladed article and assault by beating.

The court heard the attack happened in October last year at the couple's home in Kenton, Newcastle.

She had been to a funeral in Sunderland and returned home drunk around 11.30pm.

Jane Waugh, prosecuting, said: "The defendant was really angry she had been out so late drinking and he began shouting at her and told her to get out and to take the dog with her.

"He pushed her to the front door to get her out, causing her to fall back on the grass.

"The defendant closed the front door, leaving her lying on the grass."

The dog was running around barking on a grassed area and the woman was trying to catch it when the teenagers appeared and started helping her.

Miss Waugh said: "They saw the defendant pushing her and had phoned the police.

"They got hold of the dog and the woman was crying and upset and said she was concerned for her two children in the house with the defendant."

Johnson then suddenly came out and ran towards the three of them, armed with a 12 inch machete.

The male teenager started backing away as Johnson ran towards him shouting and asking why he had phoned the police.

Miss Waugh said: "He waved the machete near the girl and she was terrified.

"The defendant collided with the male teenager and hit him with the machete to the leg.

"He intended to cause really serious harm."

As the victim tried to flee, Johnson shouted that he would do it again."

He was left with a 12cm wound to his knee and continues to be troubled by it, with soreness when he exercises and itchiness.

Johnson, 32, has 52 previous convictions, including for violence, robbery and burglary.

Jonathan Cousins, defending, said Johnson had written a letter saying he was remorseful and regretful and described the incident as "horrific".

Mr Cousins said: "He feels he allowed his personal issues and paranoia to overcome his emotions and behaviour. He has difficulty managing his emotions."

He added that he has had mental health and cannabis issues.

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