Pensioner, 74, bravely fights off burglar with glass bottle
Elderly man uses glass bottle to fend off night-time intruder
A burglar targeted the wrong pensioner during a night raid. A 74-year-old man woke up early in the morning when he heard Shamus Doyle break into his semi-detached house.
Displaying ‘incredible bravery’, the pensioner confronted Doyle and struck him over the head with a glass bottle. He then chased Doyle off the property, according to court reports. Although Doyle initially fled the scene in Newark, Notts, on February 19, he returned to the back garden with a brick shortly after.
Doyle threatened the pensioner but, upon hearing that the police were on their way, he threw the brick through the living room window and fled again. Officers located Doyle nearby with a bloodied head. He denied involvement, claiming he had been in a fight at a park. However, Doyle’s blood was found at the pensioner’s home, and CCTV footage placed him at the scene during the break-in, Nottingham Crown Court heard.
The 74-year-old was awoken in the early hours, heard Shamus Doyle break into his semi-detached home.
He confronted the thug and, in a show of ‘incredible bravery’, he smashed a glass bottle over Doyle’s head. The OAP then chased him off, a court heard. pic.twitter.com/N0R5Ix4jiV
— Craig in England (@ghost_wales) August 23, 2024
Doyle, who has no fixed address, admitted to burglary, criminal damage, and using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment. He received a sentence of two years and 174 days in prison.
DC Phil James of Nottinghamshire Police stated, ‘This was a truly appalling crime that reveals the depths some criminals will go to. Burglary is already intrusive, but subjecting a man in his 70s to such a terrifying ordeal is shocking. The victim showed incredible bravery and resilience, assisting us with our investigation. I hope this sentence brings him some comfort.’
He added, ‘The force treats all burglary reports seriously and works tirelessly to prevent such incidents. The public can trust that reports will be investigated, and we will relentlessly pursue those responsible for these upsetting crimes.’
Homeowners are legally allowed to use ‘reasonable force’ against intruders, including defending themselves ‘in the heat of the moment’ and using ‘something to hand as a weapon,’ according to guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Liverpool Echo reports an overview of 50 criminals jailed in July for crimes linked to Merseyside, including charity box theft, drug dealing, and violent assaults, highlighting the severity and diversity of criminal activities in the region.(read more)
- Yahoo News reports that 73-year-old Robert Blackstock, a retiree from Nottinghamshire, has received positive feedback after asking a debate question during the BBC’s leaders’ debate, saying he is “loving” the attention.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened during the burglary in Newark?
A 74-year-old pensioner confronted and chased off a burglar named Shamus Doyle.
How did the pensioner defend himself?
He smashed a glass bottle over the burglar’s head and chased him off.
Did the burglar return after initially fleeing?
Yes, he came back with a brick and threatened the pensioner again.
What charges did Shamus Doyle face?
Doyle pleaded guilty to burglary, criminal damage, and using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behavior.
What is the legal stance on homeowners using force against intruders?
Homeowners can use ‘reasonable force’ to protect themselves in the heat of the moment.
