Rochdale man sentenced to 10 years for pensioner assault

Nicholas Valentine Smith

Nicholas Valentine Smith (DOB 23/12/60), of no fixed abode, has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment after he was found guilty of violently assaulting a 79-year-old-woman in her home address. Given the serious and violent nature of the assault he also received extended three year licence.

On 11 June 2013, Smith climbed over the rear garden fence and made his way into the house where he repeatedly assaulted the victim using a torch causing severe injuries to her face and head. He carried out a search and demanded money before leaving the victim on the floor; thankfully neighbours were able to alert the police resulting in the victim receiving the necessary help and support from the police and emergency services.

Smith was arrested soon after the offence and charged with inflicting an assault with the intent to rob.

DC Chris Whalley said: "This was a callous and cowardly attack on a helpless elderly lady. This man left her and had it not been for her neighbours alerting the police, we had feared the worst.

"Thankfully the victim has been able to make a recovery from the incident and has shown tremendous strength and courage in supporting the prosecution.

"I hope the sentence given out today will help her come to terms with this terrible incident."

Detective Inspector Lee Hopwood said: "This was an extremely challenging investigation for our officers given the sickening nature of the attack on the elderly victim. It was really pleasing to see the local community coming together in support of the victim and the officers. This resulted in our team quickly identifying and apprehending the offender and ensuring that today justice has been delivered.”