English police hunt father and son in Ireland

A FATHER and son on the run from the law in England after being convicted of a savage attack may have returned to Ireland.

Stephen Hogan, aged 54, and his son, also Stephen, aged 17, are thought to have fled to escape a jail term for assaulting a youth.

Stephen Hogan Snr is originally from County Cork and police in the West Midlands suspect he may have sought refuge among family or friends at home.

The pair were convicted at Wolverhampton Crown Court last month of wounding Richard Smith with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm and violent disorder. They were remanded on bail for sentence on October 18, but failed to appear before Judge Michael Dudley at Stafford Crown Court. A warrant was issued for their arrest and the judge lifted an order banning the press from naming Stephen Hogan Jnr.

The court had earlier heard Mr Smith was beaten around the head with a pool cue and pick axe handle. A second youth was also injured in the attack and had to undergo neurosurgery.

Marc Dimmock had to have part of his brain removed and a titanium plate inserted into his skull. A mother and daughter, Gillian and Kele Faux were charged in relation to that attack, but were cleared.

West Midlands Police ask anyone with information to notify their local garda station or contact West Midlands Police on 00-44-121-626-8086.