Man is charged over hammer attack

A man has been charged in connection with an attack on a dog walker last year who was repeatedly hit over the head with a hammer in an Essex park.

The victim, aged 46, from east London, was left with serious injuries after the attack in Kennington Park, Aveley, on 7 August 2007.

Mark Dickens, 32, of Teviot Avenue in Aveley, has been charged with wounding with intent.

He is due before Grays Magistrates' Court, an Essex Police spokesman said.