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Thief's terrifying pensioner attack

12/ 6/2008

A PENSIONER has spoken of the terrifying moment when a sneak thief threw her nearly-blind husband to the floor of their hallway, breaking his pelvis.

The 88-year-old former city councillor, named Bill, is still recovering in hospital and is not expected to be allowed home to Didsbury for at least six weeks.

His wife Jean, who asked for their surname not to be revealed, has issued an emotional appeal for witnesses to help police catch the culprit and his two accomplices.

Jean, also aged 88, said: "I’m just shocked that these people could do this sort of thing. I’m very angry. My husband is nearly blind. He’s not been well at all since this happened."

The couple, who have three daughters and four grandchildren, were in their lounge of their Millgate Lane home shortly before 4pm on Friday, June 6, when Bill heard a noise coming from upstairs.

The former company director went to investigate and was confronted by the thief in the hallway.

The thief picked him up and threw him to the floor before running outside. He fled with two other men on black or dark-coloured mountain bikes.

A passer-by saw them leaving and dialled 999. Bill was taken to hospital, where he is still recovering.

It is the second time in a few months that their house has been targeted.

Jean said: "I walked in and saw Bill on the floor. He couldn’t get up. It’s just so upsetting.

"He’s still in hospital. I don’t know how I’m going to cope looking after him."

Bill is in a stable condition in hospital. The gang escaped with a small amount of cash.

Detectives say one of the thieves was white and had ginger or strawberry blond hair. He was 19 or 20 and 6ft. He had a pale face and a slim build.

Anyone with information should call West Didsbury CID on 0161 856 6153.