A shocking incident in Newport saw 34-year-old Craig Dowding take violent action against his neighbour, Robert Eddington, over the use of a crack pipe. What started out as a friendly gathering quickly escalated when Dowding, in a fit of rage, pierced a butane gas canister and set Eddington on fire using a lighter. Horrifically, Eddington suffered burns to 6.5% of his body, including his face and hands, requiring urgent medical care.
If that wasn’t appalling enough, just weeks later, Dowding’s aggression struck again. After consuming alcohol at a mutual friend’s house, an argument led to Dowding throwing a knife at Eddington and then striking him with another, causing a deep 15cm wound to his head. Eddington was left gravely injured, losing 1000ml of blood and sustaining a broken nose and fractured jaw.
Dowding, who has previous convictions for violent behaviour, eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of wounding with intent and arson. The court heard how terrifying these attacks were for Eddington, with Judge Paul Hobson condemning the gratuitous and extreme violence that Dowding inflicted. Dowding was sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by an extended licence period of five years due to the dangerous nature of his actions.
It’s a grim reminder of how quickly things can take a turn and the devastating impact of unchecked anger. Let’s hope for healing and justice as the community processes this unsettling event. Stay safe, everyone!