SOUTH CROYDON MAN AVOIDS PRISON AFTER SAVAGE BOXING DAY ATTACK

Jason Chambers, an unemployed man from South Croydon, was involved in a violent assault on his then-girlfriend on Boxing Day. The court heard that Chambers reacted with anger and alcohol-fueled rage after the couple returned to their home on Longheath Gardens near Elmers End train station from a Christmas celebration at Amy Hall’s mother’s house. The assault was described as "a sustained and savage attack" by the magistrate. Miss Hall sustained multiple injuries including head, back, and buttocks bruising, marks on her forehead, lumps on her head, and pain in her lower back and thighs. She reported feeling depressed and experiencing mental health issues following the attack, and her statement indicated she was scared of future relationships and had to change her living situation due to fear of Chambers. The court also heard how Chambers was intoxicated upon arrival, punched Miss Hall repeatedly causing injuries, dragged her into another room, and kicked her. He caused property damage, including punching a hole in the bedroom door and damaging a TV and other items at her home. Chambers pleaded guilty to assault by beating, harassment without violence, and criminal damage, and was sentenced to an 18-month community order requiring 100 hours of unpaid work, a restraining order, and a court surcharge. The judge highlighted the incident as "a violent incident" that followed prior convictions, including burglary, and was alcohol-related. Chambers, aged 29, of Normanton Road, South Croydon, was also noted to suffer from depression and anxiety, and the incident followed a previous violent altercation in a pub in March. His defence acknowledged the incident was alcohol-fueled, and Chambers accepted his inappropriate behavior, describing the relationship as volatile despite lasting three years. He was ordered to pay costs and victim surcharges.