Life has changed for an elderly man who was living a comfortable life, but has been left “angry and socially isolated” after being attacked in his Wodonga home.
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Leo Duncan, 75, was struck multiple times in the back of the head with a wooden plank on April 15 last year, in an attack orchestrated by a couple to steal $140 of his cash for drugs.
One of those offenders, Paul Branson, 47, was this week sentenced to three years and 10 months in jail for his role in orchestrating the ambush.
He will eligible for parole after two years and three months.
Louise Bryson, who physically hit Mr Duncan, will be sentenced next month.
Judge Frank Gucciardo told Melbourne County Court the pain suffered by Mr Duncan, who needed 25 stitches to his head and a cast on his broken hand, was made clear in his victim impact statement.
“This event has changed his life, it’s deprived him of motivation to do anything and has affected confidence. He no longer feels safe in his own home,” he said.
Branson had befriended the victim and was watching footy on the television with him on the day, but left the door unlocked and a wooden plank outside for Bryson to enter and commit the assault.
He stole the $140 while Mr Duncan was bleeding on the floor and tried to stop him pressing his panic alarm for help, then faked concern when police arrived.
Judge Gucciardo said the pair were equally morally culpable for the crime.
“Even if pressure or threats had been applied by you to Bryson, the violent intensity of her attack was vicious,” he said.
“Your role was no less cowardly, attacking an elderly person who you had befriended, watching the assault, preventing him from calling assistance … stealing money from his wallet when he was bleeding on the ground. This was low and disgusting behaviour.”
He was not persuaded Branson showed any remorse, despite pleading guilty to aggravated burglary, intentionally causing injury and theft.
The court heard Branson had a criminal history dating back to 1994 and a long drug addiction.