Trio jailed over violent attack in Northampton
It happened outside a shop in Kettering Road shortly before 1am on August 31st last year.
Three people have been given prison sentences after admitting a violent assault on a man in Northampton.
Neneni Msungama, aged 43, John Philip Howard, aged 35, and Jane Oakes, aged 49, were arrested by Northamptonshire Police following a suspected robbery which happened outside a shop in Kettering Road shortly before 1am on August 31 last year.
The incident happened when a man in his 50s was outside a convenience store with Oakes when Msungama and Howard arrived and, following a short conversation began to grab him.
Msungama, who is also known by the street name of Tiger, then put the victim on the floor, where both Msungama and Howard kicked and stamped on his head and face before dousing him with pepper spray.
During the attack, which was captured on CCTV, Oakes was seen to initially try and kick Howard’s hand away from the victim as he was being sprayed, but she then went on to kick the victim in the head several times.
While the man was on the floor unconscious, Msungama was also seen rifling through his pockets and pulling his jacket off his limp body, before heading off with Howard, leaving Oakes at the scene.
When police arrived the victim was taken to hospital and Oakes was initially treated as a witness, until officers viewed the store’s CCTV which revealed her involvement.
Officers liaised with council CCTV operators to secure descriptions of the two male suspects, enabling them to be located in Abington Street where they were arrested at around 3am.
The three went on to be charged with robbery and Section 18 wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, appearing before Northampton Magistrates’ Court on September 1, 2023.
Msungama and Howard were remanded in custody, and Oakes bailed ahead of a crown court trial.
However, at Nottingham Crown Court on February 26, 2024, it was agreed that all three defendants would offer guilty pleas to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and were immediately sentenced.
Howard and Msungama, both of no fixed address, Northampton, each received custodial terms of 18 months. Oakes, of Colwyn Road, Northampton, was given 15 months’ imprisonment.
Speaking after sentencing, investigating officer PC Luisa Garcia Webb, of CID West, said: “This was a horrible attack on a defenceless man, who had no real opportunity to defend himself when it was two, and then three against one.
“The violence the defendants meted out was excessive and they are fortunate that despite their kicks and stamps, the victim did not suffer serious injury. I am glad all three have admitted their guilt and have received custodial sentences which reflect the seriousness of their offending.
“Tackling serious violence is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police and we will always pursue those responsible, to keep our county a safer place for everyone.”