A man who knocked his housemate unconscious by attacking him with a sledgehammer following an argument over a washing machine has been jailed for eight years.

Paul Hugh Johnson, of Clarence Road, Canning Town, was sentenced on Friday having been convicted of grievous bodily harm in July.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard how the 54-year-old was living in shared accommodation in Clinton Road, Forest Gate, on January 22 this year.

He approached his victim, a man who he lived with, and accused him of damaging his washing machine. He then fetched a sledgehammer from his room and hit the 39-year-old three times across his head and shoulders.

The victim, who required stitches, tried to wrestle the hammer from Johnson but fell down the stairs and was knocked unconscious. Only when he came round were the emergency services called - Johnson had returned to his room to play cards.

Detective Constable Raf Patel said: “This is a horrible and sustained attack on a fellow resident in the house. The victim is still recovering from his ordeal and is grateful to see justice served.”