OAP's 'life ruined' by vicious attacker

A PENSIONER who was viciously beaten by a drunken thug is still suffering from the devastating effects of the attack, according to his daughterNathan Gilbank  was jailed for five years  after admitting attacking  defenceless Irvine Rown
A PENSIONER who was viciously beaten by a drunken thug is still suffering from the devastating effects of the attack, according to his daughter

Nathan Gilbank  was jailed for five years  after admitting attacking  defenceless Irvine Rowney (78), after the slightly-built 5ft 7in OAP went out in his slippers to investigate noises outside his home in Selby Close, Swallownest last May.

Speaking after the case, Mr Rowney’s daughter Lynn Markell said  that her father had suffered long-lasting effects as a result of the attack.

 “He’s lost his confidence, he can’t drive and he can’t enjoy his hobby of building model yachts,” she said.

Sheffield Crown Court heard that Gilbank, who had been kicking the garden fence in temper after being rejected by a girl, told Mr Rowney to get back inside before punching him twice in the face and kicking him in the legs and body as he fell on all fours.

Gilbank, then 16, who had drunk lager, cider and whiskey, fled but was arrested shortly afterwards, the court heard.

Neighbours found Mr Rowney bleeding heavily and called an ambulance.

He suffered a fractured eye socket, permanent sinking of the eyeball, a broken nose, a suspected rib fracture, two black eyes and a cut above the left eye which needed seven stitches.

Blood clot
Mr Rowney also sustained a blood clot in the brain which required medical treatment over several months.

Gilbank, of Arundel Road, Treeton, pleaded guilty at Sheffield Crown Court to wounding with intent and was sent to youth detention for five years.

After his arrest Gilbank told police it was “all about me smashing that old man up.”

Jailing Gilbank, Judge Simon Lawler QC told him: “You were abusive and aggressive. You set about this defenceless and vulnerable old man.

“You told police he was about 40 or 50 but that doesn't square with your earlier comment on your arrest that it was 'about smashing up that old man.'

“You were well aware he was a man of advancing years and smash him up you did.

“It was quite unnecessary, unprovoked and sustained violence.”

The judge refused an application by the defence that would have prevented Gilbank being identified.