Man wanted for 'horrendous' boiling water attack gave police false name of ‘Johnny Johnson’

A man wanted by police for grievous bodily harm tried to evade police by claiming his name was "Johnny Johnson".

Daniel Gaunt, 22, was at large after he threw boiling water over a man in a "horrendous" incident in Hebburn, South Tyneside, last September.

He had added salt to the mixture, leaving the victim with severe burns.

When an officer stopped him, he claimed that his name was "Johnny".

When the officer asked "Johnny what?", Gaunt replied: "Johnson."

The officer was sure he recognised the man, and called him back before arresting him, at which point Gaunt came clean about his real identity.

The officer then told him: "That's exactly who I thought you were, matey."

Gaunt replied with a laugh: "Aye."

After Northumbria Police shared the video on social media, people joked that he could have opted for "Peter Peterson", "Robbie Robson" or "William Williamson."

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Gaunt, of no fixed abode, was charged with attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, and was convicted following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Northumbria Police said.

He was jailed for four and a half years on Thursday, the force said.

After sentencing, Detective Sergeant Daniel Ross said: "This must have been a truly horrendous ordeal for the victim, who has been left with lifelong scars from Gaunt's actions that day."

(c) Sky News 2026: Man wanted for 'horrendous' boiling water attack gave police false name of ‘Johnny Johns