Hither Green man avoids jail for racist cat row attack

A Hither Green man has narrowly avoided prison after racially abusing and assaulting neighbours in a dispute that began over cats. Andrew Jones, 63, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Tuesday after admitting four offences, including racially aggravated assault.

The court heard that on February 17, Jones consumed alcohol before going to his neighbour’s home on George Lane around 7pm. He repeatedly banged on the front door of the family home, which contained two children. When the door was opened, he pushed a male neighbour in the chest and directed racist slurs at him and two women present.

Jones then returned to his own address and reappeared with what witnesses described as a mastic gun, a tool used for decorating. Fearing further violence, the neighbours secured their door as Jones challenged them to come outside. Police arrested Jones at the scene.

During an interview, Jones initially denied the assault and racist comments, stating he had approached the neighbours due to concerns about their treatment of his cat. He later pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon, racially aggravated assault, and two counts of racially aggravated provocation of violence.

Previous Convictions and Sentencing

Judge Richard Marks KC, the Common Serjeant of London, addressed Jones directly, noting his age and previous convictions. Jones has seven prior convictions for nine offences. The judge expressed disappointment at his return to court, particularly highlighting a 2018 conviction for racially aggravated common assault. 'Racism has no place in our society,' Judge Marks stated.

The judge commented that while Jones's concerns about his cat may or may not have been legitimate, his method of dealing with them was unacceptable. He described Jones's language as 'appallingly racist' and noted the incident occurred in front of children, deeming the mastic gun intimidating.

Jones was sentenced to a six-month prison term, suspended for 18 months. He was also prohibited from contacting the victims during this period. Judge Marks indicated that Jones had narrowly avoided immediate imprisonment and warned that any further offences would result in jail time.