John Mongan jailed for three years after Eltham transgender couple attack

A Romford man has been sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting a transgender couple in Eltham. John Mongan, 24, admitted two charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Woolwich Crown Court on 3 September. The attack occurred on Baring Road after the victims raised a middle finger at Mongan from a van.

The court heard Mongan shouted abuse at the couple before threatening the husband when he took a photograph of the van. Mongan then punched the husband repeatedly and turned on the wife when she intervened. He bit her and attempted to pull down her dress, according to Judge Christopher Grout.

Victims hospitalised and traumatised

Both victims were taken to hospital with significant injuries following the assault. In a victim impact statement, the wife said she now fears for her safety, describing the attack as part of a pattern of street harassment. She told the court, "This isn’t the first time I’ve been harassed in the street in the middle of the day. It feels like it’s getting worse."

The husband stated he believed Mongan intended to kill them during the attack. Mongan threatened the couple with machetes, claiming he had weapons in the van. He was arrested later the same day and pleaded guilty to both assault charges.

Court rejects suspended sentence

Judge Grout noted Mongan’s "appalling record" for violent offences given his age. Defence barrister Aboobaker Siddik argued for a suspended sentence, citing Mongan’s remand in custody since April and his partner’s pregnancy. Siddik said Mongan had shown accountability and would reflect on his actions.

However, Judge Grout ruled the attack demonstrated Mongan’s risk to the public. He said, "This includes random members of the public who you, for whatever reason, take umbrage with." The judge concluded a custodial sentence was necessary to protect the community.

What happens next

Mongan will serve his three-year sentence in prison. The victims have not publicly stated whether they will pursue further legal action or support. It is unclear if the Metropolitan Police will review the case as part of broader hate crime monitoring in Greenwich.