Battered

The horrifying injuries were suffered by a 73-year-old York great grandmother when she was attacked by the addict on a desperate rampage for cash.

Jean Simpson was left with the imprint of a trainer on her forehead and severe bruising when she was ambushed by Simon Watts near her home.

But the victim told the Evening Press that the diligent work of detectives who brought her cowardly attacker to justice has helped her get over the traumatic ordeal.

The Clifton pensioner, who has 18 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, said she still has to face walking through the alleyway where her mugger lay in wait every week, so that she can visit her daughter.

She said: "It's unbelievable really. You just don't think it's going to happen to you. I said to the doctor: 'I never wanted to be a statistic'.

"But the police and paramedics were wonderful and I'm very pleased with the judge's decision. I got two dozen bouquets of flowers from well-wishers and ran out of vases."

Watts, 27, of Sirocco Court, Fossway, was jailed for nine years earlier this week, after York Crown Court heard of his "sickening" attacks on two women in Clifton.

The street robberies occurred during two hours of terror as Watts also attempted to steal money from a garage and two stores in a violent bid to fund his drug habit.

Mrs Simpson said she had to explain to her three-year-old great grandson why she had ugly facial bruising, including the mark of a training shoe from when Watts stamped on her.

Speaking about the attack, she said: "It was just shock. I never saw anybody and I don't remember anything. I was pushed into the fence and his face was suddenly right up against mine.

"Apparently he punched me four or five times. I couldn't see out of my eye. I still suffer headaches and I've got a bump on my forehead."

She added that she remains nervous about going out alone, but her family and friends have rallied round with support.

Detective Sergeant Nigel Costello, who was involved in the investigation, said the court's decision and Mrs Simpson's reaction made his job worthwhile.

He said: "For all intents and purposes she was left to die by him. He set out for a vulnerable and elderly victim and for what he did, nine years was a good sentence and totally justified."

Updated: 10:10 Friday, July 02, 2004