A Home Office forensic pathologist has detailed the extensive injuries suffered by a man allegedly attacked by John Henry Sayers and his son in Byker, Newcastle. Dr Jennifer Bolton told jurors at the Old Bailey that Walter Patterson sustained a combination of sharp and blunt force injuries, requiring surgery.
Details of Injuries
Dr Bolton outlined that Patterson had two sharp force wounds to the left front of his scalp, an open fracture to both bones in his left arm, and multiple lacerations to tendons in his forearm. He also suffered a dislocation to the first knuckle of his little finger, fractures to his ninth and tenth ribs, a laceration to his spleen, and fractures to four lumbar vertebrae.
During surgery, one of the arm bones was fixed with a plate, the little finger was pulled back into place, and the forearm tendons were stitched back together. Dr Bolton described the injuries as a combination of sharp force, from a weapon like a knife or machete, and blunt force, from impacts such as kicks or stamps.
Alleged Attack
The Sayers, John Henry Sayers, 62, and his son John Henry Sayers jnr, 29, both of Fossway, Byker, are accused of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. They allegedly caught Patterson setting fire to a car that had been reversed into their home. Sayers snr is said to have used a machete, while his son struck Patterson with a metal pole.
Dr Bolton testified that the arm injury was consistent with a machete, used in a chopping motion, and likely a defensive wound. She stated: “These injuries have been caused by something that has a sharp edge but is also heavy enough to cause a blunt force injury. It’s entirely consistent with the use of a machete.” She added there were at least four uses of a machete and at least three forceful blunt force impacts.
CCTV Evidence
Jurors viewed CCTV footage of the incident. Michael Holland KC, representing Sayers snr, noted that the footage shows an arm raise but does not confirm if the machete landed, though Patterson fell to the ground. He said a blow to Patterson’s leg with the machete left no injury. Prosecutor Matthew Bean argued it was for the jury to decide, and Detective Sergeant Darren Davies described seeing Sayers raise and swing the machete toward Patterson.
Under cross-examination, Dr Bolton confirmed no injuries were found where the machete struck Patterson’s leg. The trial continues at the Central Criminal Court in London.
