21-year-old forced to pay £320 for punching friend at Dagenham hostel

A former cannabis taker with a history of mental health problems has been forced to pay £320 for punching his friend in the face.

Josh Swift, of Ballards Road, Dagenham, left Phillip Londors surrounded by a pool of his own blood after assaulting him at a hostel in Porters Avenue on May 13.

The 21-year-old was given a 12-month community order at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Thursday, before leaving the dock and hugging his mother.

He was also forced to pay £50 in compensation to Mr Londors plus £180 charges, £30 court costs and a victim surcharge of £60.

Chair of the bench Veronica Odigie said: “We’re going to make a collection order, so if you don’t pay, the bailiffs will come round.”