Violent Bournemouth Robbery Gang Admits Manslaughter
Three men have confessed to manslaughter following a series of brutal robberies in Bournemouth, which led to the death of 56-year-old Michael Bastable.
Guilty Pleas for Manslaughter and Multiple Robberies
Damien Sean Johnson (31), Hayden Johnson (29), both from Christchurch Road, and Dominic Macdonald (30) of St John’s Road, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Bastable at Winchester Crown Court on 8 July 2022. The trio also admitted to multiple robbery charges linked to the fatal attack and other violent incidents earlier in January 2022.
The Johnson brothers further pleaded guilty to a third robbery committed on 21 January 2022. Sentencing is scheduled for 15 July 2022.
How the Tragic Attack Unfolded
On 14 January 2022, Dorset Police responded to a report of Michael Bastable’s body found unresponsive in an alley off Shelbourne Road near the A338 Wessex Way. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Initially, the death seemed non-suspicious, with only a swollen lip as visible injury. However, a violent robbery soon came to light.
The victim’s bank card was used after his death and his missing bicycle was sold shortly after by Hayden Johnson, raising alarm bells. Police pieced together CCTV footage showing Mr Bastable walking into the alleyway, followed by the three men. Moments later, the trio left, with Hayden cycling on the victim’s stolen mountain bike, which he then sold for £100 at Cash Generator.
Series of Brutal Robberies Exposed
- On 19 January, the Johnson brothers and Dominic Macdonald violently robbed a man at his Christchurch Road home, stealing £460 after assaulting him.
- Two days later, the same men attacked another victim in a Christchurch Road basement with a baseball bat, stealing his watch and wallet.
- Hayden Johnson was caught on CCTV selling a watch matching the stolen one shortly after.
Police Praise for Investigation
“We carried out a comprehensive investigation with meticulous review of CCTV to track the movements of these three men leading up to and following Michael Bastable’s death,” said Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team. “Our evidence shows they worked together to violently rob Mr Bastable, resulting in his death. We also proved their involvement in other violent robberies causing great distress to the victims.” “Our thoughts remain with the family, and we thank them for their support throughout this investigation and court process.”
The suspects were arrested on 26 and 27 January 2022 after the post-mortem revealed Mr Bastable died from injuries consistent with being repeatedly stamped on while lying on the ground.
