Man who attacked D-Day veteran with hammer jailed for 20 years

A man who attacked a D-Day veteran with a hammer during a burglary of his home has been found guilty of attempted murder and jailed for 20 years.

Joseph Isaacs, aged 40, attacked 96-year-old Jim Booth with a claw hammer on 22 November, leaving him for dead.

Isaacs previously admitted causing grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and seven counts of fraud relating to the use of Mr Booth’s bank card, including at a fast-food restaurant just a few hours after the attack.

Mr Booth who was described as an “exceptional person” and a “legend” by his family, was left with life-threatening injuries to his head and body after the attack at his home in Taunton, Somerset.

Isaacs arrived on the doorstep of Mr Booth’s home and asked if he needed any work done.

When Mr Booth declined, Isaacs pushed his way into his home, shouting “money, money, money” and attacked the 96-year-old with a claw hammer.

He managed to raise the alarm with a neighbour and was rushed to hospital where he was described as in a “potentially life-threatening” condition.

Isaacs will spend 16 years in custody and four on licence.

DCI James Riccio, who led the investigation, said: “Joseph Isaacs called at Jim Booth’s home posing as a workman.

“When Mr Booth declined the work being offered, Isaacs forced his way in, demanded money and subjected Mr Booth to a prolonged and barbaric ordeal.

“He used a claw hammer to strike Mr Booth repeatedly to the head and body – even hitting him multiple times while he lay on the floor.

“It was a cowardly act and it’s a miracle Mr Booth survived these horrific injuries.”

Isaacs’ clothing was seized by police who said they found traces of Mr Booth’s blood on his jeans. A cheque belonging to Mr Booth was also found in the footwell of a car linked to Isaacs, DCI Riccio said.

“Mr Booth has showed immense strength of character and spirit to survive the injuries he suffered and while he may never fully recover, he has a close network of family and friends to support him," the officer added.

Mr Booth was awarded a Croix de Guerre military medal by the French for his service during the Second World War.

He joined the Royal Navy as a seaman at the age of 18 and served throughout the war.

On D-Day, Mr Booth climbed into a fold-up canoe and shone a beacon out to sea to guide Allied craft safely to shore.

In a statement released through Avon and Somerset Police in the days after last year's attack, Mr Booth’s family thanked officers and medical staff, who they said had been “deeply affected” by the incident.

“He is the head of the family, a dearly loved father to his four children and adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, to whom he’s simply known as The Legend,” they said.

“He is, and always has been, our own family hero. Our father is not easily defeated and he grows a little stronger each day."