Security worker injured in break-in taken to court by attacker who says HE was hurt

A SECURITY worker viciously assaulted in an attempted burglary will face court next month after one of his attackers claimed HE was injured in the fracas. Andrew Johnson, 50, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was living in Marseille, France when he was assaulted at his home in 2010.

Johnson is facing court in France following attempted break-in at his home

At least three men tried to force their way in and he fought back, shutting the door on them. One of the attackers says he suffered a wrist injury when the door was closed and had to have eight days off work.

Johnson shortly after break-in bid

Two years ago the case against the attackers was dropped and Mr Johnson, who sustained head injuries, bruised ribs, and injuries to his left arm in the attack, was also told he would face no action. He moved with his wife to Monaco and thought the incident had been dropped.

However after returning to France in October he was detained at Marseilles Airport, told the case against him was still active and that a warrant had been issued as he had failed to turn up for a court case, which he knew nothing about.


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He was advised to either go before the courts next month, or never return to France, where his mother lives.
As a result he says he has no choice but to go to court. He said: “I have accepted to attend court in Marseille on one condition from the French authorities that they assure my protection at my hotel in Marseille, my trip to court and back and return to the airport to catch my flight.

“It may seem extreme but due to the attack I sustained head injuries, bruised ribs, and injuries to my left arm.
“I went to a victims support group for two months and a psychiatrist for three months and then ended up leaving Marseille.”

If convicted he could face up to a year’s suspended prison sentence. Mr Johnson was attacked moments after he had returned home from a sailing club. He had a Taser in his apartment – which is legal in France – and when he turned it on the men backed off and he closed the door on them.

He says he has spoken to Foreign Office officials and was told the case brought by the attacker is similar to a ‘bank robber trying to prosecute after slipping and hurting himself as he left the bank’.