Horror Hammer Attack in London Hotel Leaves Woman With 5% Brain Function

A woman who was attacked with a hammer by an intruder in a four-star London hotel room has been left with only one eye and just 5% brain function, police said today.

The woman remains in critical condition, after she was attacked along with her two sisters when they returned to their room at the Cumberland Hotel, near Marble Arch, after a day's shopping.

Philip Spence, 32, of Hounslow, west London, was today remanded in custody by District Judge Mike Snow after appearing at West London Magistrates' Court accused of the attack.

At the court hearing, police said that the woman's sisters remain in hospital with less serious injuries.

Speaking outside court, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "The main victim suffered life threatening head and facial injuries, has lost her left eye and significant quantities of blood.

"Doctors have assessed that she has 5% brain function, although her other organs are in good working function."

Another sister suffered two fractures to her skull, a broken left arm and a fracture to her cheekbone.

She is expected to remain in hospital for some time and will have two operations in the coming week.

The third sister has a fracture to her skull and a ruptured left eardrum.

She was released from hospital on 8 April but readmitted the following day with severe head pains.

The women arrived in the UK from the United Arab Emirates between April 3 and 7 for a sightseeing and shopping trip.

Last Saturday, they had been visiting West End stores when they returned to the hotel near Oxford Street, London's busiest shopping area.

Spence was remanded in custody today. He was charged with three counts of attempted murder and one of aggravated burglary.

Thomas Efremi, 56, of Islington, north London, appeared in court charged with handling stolen goods and fraud by false representation, while James Moss, 33, from Finsbury Park, north London, was charged with receiving stolen goods.

Both men were also remanded in custody and will appear with Spence at Southwark Crown Court on 17 April.

Carly Baker, 31, also from Finsbury Park, is charged with handling stolen goods and is expected to appear on bail at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.

All four are British nationals, police have confirmed.

A 34-year-old man has been bailed to return pending further inquiries on a date in May.