A man who beat a shopkeeper unconscious with a fake gun after he refused to buy women’s belts he had made has been jailed for four years.

Christopher Dawson, 58, Boundfield Road in Catford, was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court after admitting grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an imitation firearm.

Metropolitan Police said Dawson initially discussed selling a number of women's belts to the victim in the latter's clothing shop in July 2016. The two men exchanged contact details. 

Dawson returned the next month to the shop, in the Streatham High Road, with four belts which he wished to sell for £50. He verbally abused the victim, 42, when he declined to buy them.

At about 7pm on August 25 Dawson returned and beat the victim repeatedly in the head with what turned out to be a fake gun.

The man lost consciousness and was taken to hospital for treatment. He continues to receive treatment for problems with his eyesight.

Dawson was arrested by police three weeks later.