Violent man jailed for nearly 30 years following attempted murder in Swanley

A violent man who attacked two women with a hammer and a knife in Swanley has been given a prison sentence of almost 30 years.

Gerard Parkinson was convicted of attempted murder following a brutal assault on two women he knew at an address in Bonney Way.

During the late morning on 1 March 2023, he approached the first victim in the kitchen and struck her head with a club hammer, causing her to fall unconscious to the ground.

Parkinson then went to a room upstairs where the second victim was asleep. He stabbed her in the chest with a knife and also hit her head with the hammer.

She managed to wrestle the weapon from her assailant while her screams alerted a relative who came to her assistance. He took the knife from Parkinson and suffered cuts to his hand whilst the victim fled the house.

Parkinson then attacked the other victim with the hammer again as she was leaving the premises having regained consciousness. A neighbour restrained Parkinson on the ground until the arrival of the police. Both victims were taken to hospital where they were treated for multiple serious injuries with one having suffered a punctured lung.

At Maidstone Crown Court, Parkinson, of Parkhill Road, Sidcup, denied trying to kill his victims and was convicted of two counts of attempted murder following a trial. The 64 year old had previously admitted perverting the course of justice, after making a phone call to one of the victims whilst in custody to try and persuade her to withdraw the allegations.

Sentenced

On Friday 31 July 2026 Parkinson was handed a 28 year prison sentence and upon release will have to serve an additional 5 years on licence.
Detective Sergeant Ashley Evans said:
‘Parkinson is a dangerous and violent individual responsible for a brutal and unprovoked attack on two defenceless women within their own home. One of the victims bravely fought him off as he tried to kill her while she slept, as evidenced by the multiple lacerations to her hands. Had she not managed to shout out and receive assistance it is highly likely the assault would have been fatal.
‘Both victims have shown tremendous courage in supporting our investigation and in having to also endure a court trial. I would also like to commend the two people who came to their assistance. I do hope that the sentence delivered by the court will at least help them feel safe once again, knowing that Parkinson is behind bars for a considerable time and can cause no further harm.‘