Two Romanian men who had only been in Britain for 10 days have been jailed for a total of almost 15 years after being convicted of a vicious assault and robbery on an 88 year old war veteran.
88 year old William Glover was attacked at his Bolton home by the duo, and left with cuts and bruises to his face, lips, and wrists as he struggled against the men attempting to rob him.
His ordeal ended when painter and decorator Leslie Fishwick, who had been working on Mr Glover’s home, returned from a break and intervened. Mr Fishwick gave chase as the attackers fled, and, with the help of another man, managed to detain both of them until police arrived.
Tudor-Florentin Serbana, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit robbery. He was jailed for eight and a half years. As well as this offence, he was also convicted of an unrelated offence of burglary and jailed for a further year.
Grigore Tirban, also of no fixed address, entered a guilty plea to assault with intent to commit robbery. He was jailed for five years and four months.
Said Judge Peter Davies: “Mr Glover was of an age to be called for active service to help his country in the Second World War. He is 89 and entitled to spend the autumn of his years in peace.”
According to the defence, Tudor-Florentin Serbana was ashamed that he had blackened the reputation of hard working Romanian people. He even apparently managed to say it with a straight face.
Within 10 days of being in Britain a burglary and a vicious assault/attempted robbery on an elderly war veteran under their belts – sadly an all too familiar story in the nightmare that is open borders Britain.