A man who attacked a 96-year-old D-Day veteran with a claw hammer and stole his bank card before going on a spending spree across Somerset, including in Burnham-On-Sea, has been found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to 20 years.
Following a trial at Taunton Crown Court, 40-year-old Joseph Isaacs, right, formerly from Exeter in Devon, was given an extended jail sentence after being found guilty of attempting to murder Jim Booth at his home in Taunton on Wednesday 22nd November.
Isaacs used Mr Booth’s bank card to buy food at Proper Job in Burnham-On-Sea and a McDonald’s fast-food restaurant in Bridgwater after the attack.
Isaacs had previously admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent, aggravated burglary and seven counts of fraud, relating to the use of Mr Booth’s bank card.
Mr Booth, 96, who was involved in a secret operation during the D-Day landings in Normandy, was left with life-threatening injuries to his head and body.
DCI James Riccio of Avon and Somerset Police, who led the investigation, said: “Joseph Isaacs called at Jim Booth’s home posing as a workman.
Pictured: Jim Booth, 96, was left with life-threatening injuries to his head and body
“When Mr Booth declined the work being offered, Isaacs forced his way in, demanded money and subjected Mr Booth to a prolonged and barbaric ordeal.
“He used a claw hammer to strike Mr Booth repeatedly to the head and body – even hitting him multiple times while he lay on the floor.
“It was a cowardly act and it’s a miracle Mr Booth survived these horrific injuries.”
The Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) launched a full inquiry and discovered Mr Booth’s bank card had been used at a number of shops in Bridgwater and Burnham-On-Sea in the 48-hour period following the assault.
CCTV footage was obtained and the offender was linked to a Vauxhall Zafira caught on CCTV outside Asda in Bridgwater – one of the locations where Mr Booth’s card was fraudulently used.
Pictured: Joseph Isaacs used Mr Booth’s card to pay for fast food at a Bridgwater restaurant in the 48-hour period following the assault
DCI Riccio added: “As a result of these enquiries, officers stopped a Vauxhall Zafira on the A370 at Congresbury on the morning of Friday 24 November and arrested the driver, Joseph Isaacs.
“Isaacs’ clothing was seized and we were able to find traces of Mr Booth’s blood on his jeans. A cheque belonging to Mr Booth was also found in the footwell of the Zafira.
“Although he declined to comment in interview, Joseph Isaacs was left with little alternative but to admit he carried out the attack on Mr Booth.
“This has been an emotive case which has affected everyone who’s worked on it.
“Mr Booth has showed immense strength of character and spirit to survive the injuries he suffered and while he may never fully recover, he has a close network of family and friends to support him.
Pictured: Joseph Isaacs used Mr Booth’s card to pay for a range of items at Proper Job in Burnham-On-Sea and other businesses
“I’d like to thank everyone who’s worked on this inquiry to achieve this successful prosecution and our thoughts and best wishes are very much with Mr Booth and his family.
“Their support of our investigation has been unwavering and I hope this outcome will help them move on from this awful experience.”
The family of Jim Booth have released a statement following the sentencing of Joseph Isaacs at Taunton Crown Court.
It reads: “Our father is an honourable, gentle, compassionate and generous person. He is the head of the family, a dearly loved father to his four children, and adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, to whom he’s known simply as ‘The Legend’.
Pictured: Joseph Isaacs at Bridgwater Services shortly after the attack
“On November 22nd last year, a light was shone on the very best and worst of humankind, when our father was subjected to a brutal and cowardly attack inside his home. Miraculously, though left for dead, and against all odds, he survived.
“In the very difficult six months since, our father has shown extraordinary courage and determination as he’s battled with the pain and long-term effects of the injuries. He is truly inspirational.
“Characteristically, he worries about the impact of his attack on us, his family. We are all devastated and deeply shaken. The memory of first seeing him in hospital immediately after the attack will stay with us forever. We share the revulsion and incomprehension expressed by the hundreds of people who kindly sent their best wishes and offered support.
Pictured: Joseph Isaacs was captured on CCTV holding the bank card
“We are grateful to everyone who has helped our father; the staff at Musgrove Park Hospital; Avon and Somerset Police; Senior Crown Advocate Rachel Drake; friends and neighbours; members of the submariners’ community and complete strangers whose kindness has been extraordinary.
“Our father is, and always will be, our own family hero, our ‘Captain of the Gate’ and we are immensely proud of him every day. His faithful heart continues to beat at the core of our family. Soon to celebrate his 97th birthday, he remains unbowed, an unconquerable soul, and we look forward to many more happy and memorable times spent together.”
During the war, Lt Cdr Booth joined the Combined Operations Pilotage and Reconnaissance Parties (COPP) and trained for covert beach explorations at a wartime military base set up on Hayling Island in Hampshire in 1943 under the instruction of Lord Mountbatten.
At the age of 23, Lt Cdr Booth became a pilot for the X-craft, tiny submarines that waited on the seabed for days at a time, and sailed from Portsmouth to Normandy to scout out where British forces could safely land.
On D-Day, Lt Cdr Booth climbed into a fold-up canoe and shone a beacon out to sea to guide Allied craft safely to shore. Lt Cdr Booth, who was later awarded the Croix de Guerre military medal by France for his gallantry, has four children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and was described as their hero after the attack.
VIDEO: Joseph Isaacs being cautioned for attempted murder of Jim Booth
VIDEO: Body worn Police video showing Joseph Isaacs’ arrest
