The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is refusing to reopen an investigation into an alleged assault by a convicted woman beater.

Luke Sewell, 24, of Lower Coombe Road, South Croydon, was found guilty earlier this month at Croydon Magistrates’ Court for attacking his ex-girlfriend.

The youth worker, who said he was a reformed character after being sent to prison for an armed robbery, received a 20 week jail sentence suspended for 18 months, after kicking the 20-year-old and pulling her hair out after a row about him cheating on her.

Now Erin Potter, 20, a former friend of Mr Sewell, has also claimed she was a victim of a vicious attack by the youth worker back in February.

Miss Potter, a student at Birmingham University, said Mr Sewell threw a glass bottle at her which chipped her tooth and gave her a fat lip.

She also alleged the 24-year-old stubbed a cigarette on her hand and kicked her after he became annoyed at her for not choosing a film quickly enough.

Miss Potter said the pair argued and when she said she was leaving the house, Mr Sewell allegedly pulled her down the stairs and began a sustained attack on her. She claimed he did not let her go home until the next day.

Police received a report of the assault in Strathyre Road in Norbury on February 18.

Following an investigation by Croydon CID Mr Sewell was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm on March 1, but was later released after the CPS said there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

After Sewell’s conviction for assault earlier this month, Miss Potter called on the CPS to look at the case again.

But a CPS spokesman said no further action would be taken and unless new evidence came to light there was not a realistic prospect of conviction.

He said: “Each case must be considered on its own merits.

“The subsequent conviction of Mr Sewell for a separate matter can have no bearing on our earlier decision.”

Miss Potter said she was angry and disappointed by the decision.

She said: “The worse part for me was how calm Sewell was. He wasn’t even shouting at me.

“I was panicking inside but I had to stay calm. It was scary.”

 

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