MAN DRESSED AS JOKER SCREAMS ‘I’LL KILL TODAY’ AS HE IS JAILED FOR GOTHAM CRIME SPREE
Back in 2018, Damien Hammond garnered attention for a violent and disruptive crime spree lasting three months, during which he donned the costume of The Joker to threaten and intimidate people.He habitually wore makeup and a purple suit reminiscent of the comic villain while committing offenses near the Nottinghamshire settlement called Gotham.
After his arrest for harassing shop staff and the public, records indicate he appeared in his mugshot still dressed in costume, according to Nottinghamshire Police.
He was 29 at the time and sentenced to a 22-week jail term, coupled with a ban from Nottingham city center that would last three years.
He pleaded guilty to multiple charges including obstructing police and possessing cannabis unlawfully.
His criminal record featured theft, possessing an offensive weapon, and INDECENCY OFFENCES, for which he had previously received a suspended sentence.
Hammond also admitted to disorderly behavior in local retail stores, and authorities reported he was seen waving a gun-shaped cigarette lighter among traffic.
When sentenced, Hammond, with bright green hair, shouted defiance, saying: ‘Send me to prison, I don’t care,’ and as he was led away, declared: ‘See what you have done, I will kill today.’ His crimes took place during March and April, close to Gotham village, a location sharing its name with the hometown of Batman’s nemesis.
Known locally for his Joker obsession, Hammond’s spree reportedly followed a prior 21-week suspended sentence handed to him in April.
Magistrates described his conduct as a pattern of outright criminal activity.
Community protection officer Jeff Surgay’s report highlighted Hammond’s threatening behavior toward retail staff and police—and even striking an officer during a drug search—spanning an extended period.
Surgay indicated that Hammond’s costume changes appeared intended to frighten the public and store employees, with his actions posing safety risks.
He emphasized that intervention was necessary to curb Hammond’s continued anti-social conduct.
In the year 2021, Hammond was sentenced to 16 years after injuring a council worker badly.
He, aged 31, was convicted of intentionally causing serious harm by dropping a bowling ball wrapped in cloth from his window, which resulted in severe brain injuries for the victim.
The court announced that he would serve 12 years outright, with parole consideration after two-thirds of his sentence, and his release license extended for four years.
Prosecutor Stuart Lody pointed out Hammond’s long-standing criminal record—covering 17 years and over 110 offences—highlighting his pattern of violent and acquisitive crimes.
Judge James Sampson described Hammond as a “prolific offender,” noting his increasing severity of crimes, which included threats and violence.
Detective Constable Sarah Gregg remarked that Hammond’s Joker persona was a familiar feature of his crimes.
She recounted his history of public incidents involving his costume and thefts.
The assault on the council worker occurred on December 30, 2019, on Strelley Road when Hammond threw a bowling ball out of his window during a standoff.
According to DC Gregg, the incident initiated when two council workers, retrieving a broken TV, were targeted after Hammond leaned out of his 14-foot-high window.
He became aggressive, threatening to descend and harm them, then launched a wrapped bowling ball—a heavy object—at their heads.
The ball inflicted serious head injuries, leading to lasting brain trauma and affecting the victim’s entire family.
The family supported police efforts and sought justice following the incident.
Police responded to the scene where Hammond, under the influence of Mamba and sleep-deprived, barricaded himself.
The road was temporarily closed, and specially-trained negotiators convinced him to lower himself from the window, resulting in his arrest as some officers caught him falling to the ground.
