A Blackburn court has sentenced 50-year-old Nicholas Armstrong to 18 years in prison for a vicious assault on a 75-year-old widower in his own home. The incident, which took place in November 2023, has left the community in shock over the brutality of the attack.
Armstrong, who is of no fixed address, was found guilty of entering the elderly man’s residence and assaulting him with a fire extinguisher, striking him multiple times on the head. The attack continued throughout the victim’s home, culminating in Armstrong stealing cash and bank cards from the victim’s trousers. He later used these stolen cards to make purchases in local shops.
The elderly victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, displayed remarkable resilience by managing to drive himself to the hospital despite his severe injuries. He spent six weeks in medical care and has since been unable to recall the attack or identify his assailant due to memory loss caused by the injuries.
Following a detailed investigation led by Blackburn CID, Armstrong was arrested on November 16, 2023. He was charged with Section 18 wounding and was remanded in custody. During the sentencing, the judge labelled Armstrong a dangerous offender, highlighting his high risk to the public and potential for future serious offences. Armstrong received a 13-year immediate custodial sentence and an additional five years on extended license.
DC Jack Greenhalgh of Blackburn CID expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, noting the significance of the sentence in reflecting the gravity of the crime and the danger Armstrong poses to society. “I am pleased that the sentence handed down to Armstrong is a significant one, reflective of the severity of the offence, the danger that he presents to innocent members of the public and the vulnerability of the victim upon which this brutal and mindless attack was inflicted,” said DC Greenhalgh.
The community has rallied around the elderly victim, praising his courage in the face of such a harrowing ordeal. He continues to recover from both the physical and psychological impacts of the attack, more than eight months after the incident occurred. The case has highlighted the ongoing issue of violence against the elderly and the importance of community and law enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals.
