Sidcup man jailed for 28 years after hammer and knife attack in Swanley

Gerard Parkinson, 64, of Parkhill Road in Sidcup, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for attempting to murder two women in a brutal attack in Swanley. The assault took place at a house in Bonney Way on 1 March 2023, where Parkinson used a hammer and knife against his victims.

The attack began in the late morning when Parkinson struck the first victim in the kitchen with a club hammer, knocking her unconscious. He then went upstairs and stabbed the second victim, who was asleep, in the chest before striking her head with the hammer. Despite her injuries, the second victim managed to wrestle the weapon away and scream for help.

A relative who attempted to intervene was also injured. The second victim escaped the house, but Parkinson attacked the first victim again as she regained consciousness. A neighbour restrained Parkinson until police arrived at the scene.

Sentencing and convictions

Parkinson was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder at a criminal court. He was sentenced to 28 years in prison, with an additional five years to be served on licence. The judge described the attack as premeditated and motivated by violent intent.

The victims sustained serious injuries, though neither was left with life-long disabilities. The second victim required hospital treatment for stab wounds and head trauma. Police confirmed that Parkinson had no prior relationship with the victims, and the attack appeared unprovoked.

Other south London sentences

In unrelated cases, two men from Crayford were sentenced for armed robberies and drug offences. Alexander Emmerich, 28, received 11 years and nine months in prison, while Stephen Hand, 29, was jailed for nine years. Both were convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery after targeting vape shops in Belvedere and Swanscombe with a handgun.

Separately, Ryan Dinnage, 32, of Croydon, was sentenced to eight years and six months for raping a woman in her caravan after the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Dinnage initially denied the attack but was convicted after forensic evidence linked him to the crime.

What happens next

Parkinson will serve his sentence at a high-security prison. The victims have been offered support through the Metropolitan Police’s victim services. No further appeals have been lodged in the case, and Parkinson’s licence conditions will be set upon his eventual release.