A man who carried out a frightening attack on a pensioner after tricking his way into the 78-year-old’s home in a bid to rob him has been jailed for seven years at Lincoln Crown Court.
Jack Hempsall called at the home of his victim claiming to be looking for a £20 note he had lost earlier the same day.
Andrew Scott, prosecuting, said Hempsall was allowed inside the property in Quadring Road, Donington, after asking to use the toilet.
“He then asked for a drink of water. The victim fetched a bottle of water and handed it to the defendant. However Hempsall said it was too warm.
“The defendant shouted that he wanted the man’s money. He then threw the bottle which hit the victim about the eye.”
Mr Scott said Hempsall produced a three-inch bladed kitchen knife and demanded cash but was told there was no money in the house.
Moments later Hempsall left empty handed after locking the old man inside the house.
The victim contacted the emergency services and was later taken to hospital where he was treated for cuts around his left eye and bruising to both the eyeball and the eye socket.
Later in the evening Hempsall confessed to a friend saying “You know I told you I was going to rob somebody. Well I’ve done it.”
Hempsall, who shaved his head and removed his goatee beard in an attempt to disguise himself, also told a shop worker what he had done and was subsequently arrested.
Mr Scott said “This was a pre-planned attack on a vulnerable person in his own in which a weapon was produced.
“The weapon was used to threaten the victim and violence was used against him causing physical injuries.
Hempsall (24), of Park Lane, Donington, admitted attempted robbery on November 15 this year.
The court heard he had convictions for 42 previous offences.
Recorder Simon Medland QC imposed a restraining order banning Hempsall from contacting his victim for life.
The Recorder told Hempsall “It must have been very obvious to you that the victim was a slightly built man who was elderly.
“This was a mean and vicious offence which was pre-planned.
“There was an element of gratuitous violence. He presented no threat to you whatsoever.”
Chris Milligan, defending, said “He has shown remorse. He is disgusted with what he did.
“He has previous convictions but he has never done anything like this before.
“His only explanation is that he got carried away with himself. He was hard up. He wasn’t claiming benefits and he thought this would be an easy way to get some money.
“He bitterly regrets behaving in this manner. He is shocked and surprised at how serious the position he is in.”