Brutal Attack on Pensioner Lands Man Behind Bars for 10 Years
Thomas Smith, 63, has been slapped with a decade-long prison sentence for a vicious, unprovoked assault in Houghton-le-Spring.
Attack Caught on CCTV
The shocking attack happened on April 22, 2019, when Smith targeted a 66-year-old woman walking down Brinkburn Crescent. Mistaking him for a passerby, she stepped aside – but Smith struck her twice over the head with a heavy, cloth-wrapped object.
He then snatched her handbag, which held irreplaceable photos of her late husband. The victim suffered two deep cuts and needed hospital treatment.
Victim Left Traumatised
During the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, the woman revealed she still feels “vulnerable and unsafe,” struggling with the psychological scars of the attack.
Smith was caught after police identified him from CCTV footage. Arrested just days later, he denied the robbery but was found guilty by a jury on April 22, 2022.
Justice Served: Perpetrator Locked Up
Sentenced on June 7, Smith faces 10 years behind bars plus four years on extended licence.
“Smith purposefully targeted a vulnerable woman to satisfy his own greed, leaving her seriously injured and understandably upset,” said Detective Chief Inspector Sean McGuigan.
“He fled the scene and denied his crime, but thankfully the jury saw through him. We’re relieved to see this dangerous attacker off the streets.”
“We’ll keep fighting to bring violent offenders like Smith to justice and make the North East safer for all.”
