Burglar who attacked pensioner, 79, during 'sustained assault' jailed

A man, who subjected an elderly couple to such a traumatic ordeal during an attempted burglary that they are now too afraid to return to their home of 45 years, has been jailed.

Kevin Edward Quigley, 45, from Rosses Gate in Londonderry, admitted the burglary at the couple's home on April 6 last year and assaulting a 79-year-old man.

Londonderry Magistrates' Court heard that the elderly resident was subjected to a "sustained assault" and that both he and his 78-year-old wife were treated at Altnagelvin Hospital following the incident.

The court heard the couple were so traumatised by the incident that they have not returned to their home and are currently living with a family member.

The court heard that Quigley broke into the couple's home in the early hours of April 6 last year.

He was discovered by the woman, who the court was told had risen to say her morning prayers.

She called out to her husband, who was still in bed, before running to a neighbour's house for help.

Quigley was told by the male householder to leave, but he followed him to his bedroom where he was attacked.

A prosecutor told the court that Quigley jumped on the man's back attempted to strangle him and also proceeded to punch him in the head and ribs.

The victim sustained bruising to his head and facial injuries.

He later experienced chest pains, which a consultant cardiologist said were consistent with stress-induced cardiomyopathy or heart failure.

His wife was also treated in Altnagelvin Hospital for heart issues following the ordeal, the court heard.

A prosecutor said the case had multiple aggravating features, including the age of both victims and the fact they were confronted in their own home by "an intoxicated stranger".

A defence barrister said Quigley had drafted a letter of apology to his victims in which he had written that he had subjected them to "horrendous chaos" in their own home.

Quigley described his actions as recklessness and disgraceful and added "what I put you through will be etched in my mind forever.

"You did not deserve it," he added.

In her victim impact statement, the female resident said their family home of 45 years is now empty.

"I miss the person I was before this happened", she said.

"What he did has utterly wreaked havoc", she added.

As well as sentencing Quigley to four years and eight months in jail, Judge RoseAnne McCormick also imposed a restraining order banning Quigley from entering the area where his victims live for the next ten years.