Beggar's vile attack stopped 81 year old man leaving his home for six months

Nicholas Bradshaw attacked a pensioner
-Credit: (Image: West Yorkshire Police)


A homeless addict who seriously injured a pensioner during an attack in Todmorden has been jailed for three years.

Nicholas Bradshaw, 41, apologised for the injuries suffered by his 81-year-old victim when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court on Wednesday, before a judge heard that he now has to walk with the aid of stick and did not leave his home for six months.

The court heard that the previously fit and active man had been walking home with a bag full of shopping in March when he became involved in an altercation with Bradshaw. During the incident Bradshaw was seen to hold up his bicycle and throw it at the pensioner, knocking him to the ground. The man spent a week in hospital and had to have pins and a plate inserted to repair his fractured hip.

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Judge Timothy Clayson said the victim had suffered a seizure in the ambulance and described being in extreme pain. The court heard that Bradshaw was detained after a passing motorist followed him on his bike and made a citizen’s arrest before police officers arrived on the scene.

Bradshaw had left a knife on a wall, but barrister Jonathan Turner explained that his client only had it for opening tins and preparing food. Mr Turner said crack cocaine and heroin addict Bradshaw had been travelling round the streets with his tent and had been begging and trying to get gardening work.

He said Bradshaw was truly remorseful and couldn’t understand what came over him due to his brain being “addled” by drugs. He added: “He’s desperately ashamed of what took place." Bradshaw admitted offences of unlawful wounding and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

Judge Clayson said the precise circumstance leading up to the incident were not clear, but Bradshaw had become angry with the victim very quickly. The court heard that Bradshaw had been weaning himself off drugs since his remand in custody in March.