TWO ALCOHOLICS who tried to cover up a brutal knife and hammer attack have been sentenced.

Eileen Fraser, 45, washed the tool she called Harry the Hammer and John Gibb, 31, took the blame for the attack that left 37-year-old David Morgan fighting for his life.

Christopher Hicks, 39, was accused of helping his flatmate Shane Campbell carry out the attack but was cleared by the jury.

Campbell committed suicide in jail before he could be brought to trial.

Mr Morgan's brother Ray had lived at the flat in Churchfield Road, Beckenham and he went there to pick up his belongings.

He grabbed a pair of mobile phones, telling the occupants: "You'll get these phones back when I get my brother's things back."

Mr Morgan was struck over the head from behind but did not see who his attacker was.

But he said he remembered Hicks holding him down while Campbell attacked him with a kitchen knife and a hammer.

Mr Morgan needed emergency surgery on his bowel, spleen and liver.

After the incident Gibb called the police claiming he was responsible while Fraser washed the hammer.

Fraser sobbed in the dock as Judge Richard Hayward today told them: "After the victim managed to escape you Fraser washed the hammer.

"You Gibb went to another friend's address and phoned the police and told lies about having been attacked yourself and having stabbed the victim once in self defence.

"When the police arrived you lied again and when you were arrested you still lied.

"You Fraser were also involved in disposing of the bloodstained clothing."

The judge added: "You are both alcoholics and your lives have been blighted by drink.

"You, Fraser have been the victim of domestic violence abused for a number of years by a number of partners.

"You, Gibb are also an alcoholic and have been in poor health and have contemplated suicide."

Fraser was given a 12 month sentence suspended for two years combined with a two year supervision order.

She will have to attend an alcoholic treatment centre for 18 months.

Gibb was given a ten month prison sentence suspended for two years combined with a two year supervision order.

He was ordered to attend an alcoholic treatment centre for 12 months.

Hicks, of Starts Hill Avenue, Farnborough, Kent, was cleared of attempted murder and after a retrial he was also cleared of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Gibb, who lived at the flat admitted perverting the course of justice after the incident on March 1 last year.

Fraser, of Alegh House, Churchfield Road, Beckenham was cleared of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but found guilty of perverting the course of justice.