A stranger assaulted a woman in her own bedroom after walking into the wrong house.
Tom Johnson. 41, strolled into an address in Newhall Street at around 11.30pm on Monday 20 September before attacking the shocked occupant.
The army veteran, who was attempting to return home intoxicated, believed the woman – aged in her early 20s – was in his bedroom.
But in reality, Johnson had walked into the wrong house. The defendant lives in Morse Street, which runs parallel to the victim’s home and looks strikingly similar.
Appearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 24 December, he pleaded guilty to assault.
Prosecutor Kate Prince said the woman had left her front door unlocked due to her housemate being out without a key.
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And whilst she was dozing off to sleep in bed, she heard the door open and a male’s voice shouting “get f**king down here”.
Shocked, she began getting dressed but the stranger walked upstairs and assaulted her – punching her in the face and upper arm.
“She was scared and terrified”, Ms Prince said. Adding: “One minute she’s dozing in bed the next minute there’s a man in her bedroom assaulting her.”
The victim pushed Johnson away and he fell backwards. They pair ended up downstairs before he pushed the occupant from her home and shut the door, leaving her outside. Whilst he was inside, he’s said to have thrown items around.
The police were called and the defendant exited the property where he stood outside with his arms out shouting “I’m waiting to be nicked”.
Gordon Hotson, defending, labelled the incident “utterly bizarre”, adding that his client is “totally and utterly ashamed”.
He told the court Johnson had expressed remorse interview and when he was charged, but claims he does not remember the events of that night.
“He appears to gave gone to a house thinking it’s his house when actually his house is one road across, Mr Hotson said.
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Adding that Johnson has a brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from military service in Afghanistan.
He said: “He has been drinking far more than is good for his recently and would very much welcome support from probation and other services.”
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order including an alcohol treatment requirement and 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Johnson was also fined £300, told to pay costs of £85 and victim surcharge of £95. A restraining order – which includes the condition not to contact the victim – was also imposed for 12 months.
The chairman of the bench said: “This was a very serious offence. I know you were drunk at the time but that is no defence, in fact it aggravates this offence.
“It must have been absolutely terrifying for her.”
