Police are looking for a man who failed to appear at court for his sentencing for assaulting a vulnerable 57-year-old man.

James McGowan, 30, of no fixed address, was found guilty of attempted robbery and received a four-year sentence in his absence at Woolwich Crown Court on July 14.

He is described as a white man with blonde hair and is approximately 6ft tall.

He is thought to be working as a scaffolder and has links to Lewisham.

McGowan assaulted the man in Whitefoot Lane, Lewisham, on April 6, 2013.

He grabbed him by the throat and pushed him against the front door of a house.

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He then threatened a homeowner who had come out to help the victim.

McGowan was arrested a few hours later and charged.

He was then bailed from court but failed to appear for a subsequent hearing.

A warrant was issued for his arrest and police are trying to trace him.

Anyone who sees him is advised not to approach him but call 999 immediately.

Those with information on his whereabouts are asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.