Man knocked out Streatham shopkeeper with fake gun in row over women's belts

A south Londoner knocked a shopkeeper out cold by thumping him with a fake gun during an argument over women’s belts.

Christopher Dawson, 58, went into the women’s accessories shop in Streatham hoping to do business with the shopkeeper.

But Dawson grew furious when the owner of the Streatham High Road shop refused his deal to offer four belts in exchange for £50.

After threatening the shopkeeper, Dawson returned to the south London shop five days later armed with a gun – which later turned out to be fake.

Dawson repeatedly hit the shopkeeper on the head with the weapon, knocking him unconscious.

More than five months after the attack the shop owner is still suffering from problems with his eyesight.

Police launched an investigation and on January 13 Dawson was jailed for four years at Inner London Crown Court.

Dawson had pleaded guilty to GBH with intent and possession of an imitation firearm.