85-year-old victim determined to get justice after attack passed away before case concluded
An 85-year-old victim who was determined to get justice after a shocking home invasion attack passed away before the case concluded in court.
The pensioner had been at home watching the Newcastle United parade after their Carabao Cup victory last March when Jai Milligan and Candice Tote turned up, forced their way in and threw punches.
Newcastle Crown Court heard his wallet and bank card were taken during the violent raid, which left him in hospital for a week.
The pensioner, who has since died from unrelated issues, "wasn't one to be beaten" and "would do everything in his power" to get justice and ensure those responsible were punished", his grandson said in an impact statement.
The grandson, speaking on behalf of the family, added: "He provided a video statement to police and later attended a police station identity parade.
"He was determined to ensure this didn't happen to anyone else.
"He will never know what happened to them or why they did such an awful act against him."
Prosecutor Jennifer Coxon said when the pair turned up at the victim's door they claimed "Rita sent us" then barged their way in once it was opened
Miss Coxon added: "He saw the female was smoking, which he didn't like and he shouted 'get out'.
"They went in and were sitting on his settee. He told them to get out or he would call the police and reached for his phone.
"The female punched him and he retaliated and punched back. The male then punched him to the head a couple of times.
"He was punched or knocked to the ground and the male grabbed his wallet and ran out."
The court heard the wallet contained around £150 and the bank card inside was used to spent £10 at a local shop.
Milligan, 43, of Cambo Place, North Shields, North Tyneside, admitted robbery and has been jailed for 73-and-a-half months with one year extended licence.
Tote, 49, of no fixed address, was on a suspended sentence at the time. She admitted common assault and fraud in relation to the bank card and was jailed for 21 months.
The court heard both have criminal records and are remorseful.
Helen Towers, defending Milligan, said: "The defendant is an addict, he has been an addict since his teens and left school when aged 12."
Miss Towers said Milligan, who has PTSD after his girlfriend was murdered in front of him, was "seeking illicit substances" and took advantage of the situation when he got the wrong house that night but wants to apologise to the victim's family.
John Wilkinson, defending Tote, said: "She has a significant psychiatric history. At the time of the offence the defendant was sleeping rough.
"She now has support systems in place and is in the best position she has ever been to try and put her life to rights."