Thug left woman on life support after horrific attack

A thug could face a life sentence after admitting carrying out a horrific 'prolonged' attack on a woman who was later discovered in a garden. Dean Johnstone pleaded guilty to assaulting the 49-year-old during an incident in July.

She was found by paramedics in the garden of a property on Rosebank Road in Newton Heath. Johnstone, 41, was originally charged with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Manchester Crown Court heard the victim remains in hospital but is 'no longer on life support'. She was discovered at about 9.30am on Saturday, July 29, after an ambulance was called to the scene. Paramedics then referred the incident to the police.

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Johnstone, of no fixed address, was previously sentenced to six years in prison in 2015, after attacking a man with a machete. "You have pleaded guilty to very serious violence," Judge Nicholas Dean KC, the Honorary Recorder of Manchester, told Johnstone during a hearing on Thursday morning.

"This appears to have been a prolonged attack. You have a previous conviction for serious violence.

"You face a lengthy sentence of imprisonment and possibly a life sentence or an extended sentence. All of that will be the subject of consideration on November 7 when you will be sentenced."

Three others also appeared in court in connection with the incident. Lisa Johnstone, 43, of Scotland Hall Road, Newton Heath; Yvonne Johnstone, 45, of Amos Street, Moston, and Glenn Nelson, 39, of Scotland Hall Road, Newton Heath; all pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Their cases will also be next heard in November, and they were granted