ROTHERHAM MAN JAILED FOR BRUTAL ATTACK ON ELDERLY MAN WITH BARBELL
A Rotherham resident has been jailed following an assault on an elderly man with a barbell.Robert Wilcox, 55 years old and a resident of St Johns Avenue, was sentenced to two and a half years after admitting to causing grievous bodily harm and criminal damage.
Sheffield Crown Court heard last week that Wilcox, who knew the older man, visited his home and they had a conversation.
Suddenly, Wilcox became hostile and attacked his acquaintance, who was in his seventies.
Wilcox forced the victim onto the kitchen floor, then struck him repeatedly with a barbell and issued threats.
The elderly man pleaded with Wilcox to stop, fearing for his life.
During the attack, Wilcox hit the victim’s head multiple times with the barbell.
Afterward, Wilcox went into the living room and broke the victim’s television before fleeing, leaving him stunned and in intense pain.
The man sustained very painful injuries and now fears leaving his residence.
South Yorkshire Police officer Rachel Scott stated, “Wilcox carried out a vicious assault, deliberately targeting someone unable to defend himself and using his strength to intimidate and threaten.
He exploited the situation, causing the victim to fear for his life and the duration of the assault.
I am satisfied that Wilcox will serve time for his actions, and we are working closely with the victim to assist him in healing and moving past this ordeal.”
