Taunton man jailed for 10 years

A man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for an attempted robbery and assault in Taunton.

On Wednesday February 15 Maurice Danes entered a flat in the area around Holway Road. He demanded money from the occupant, a man in his 70s, and assaulted him before fleeing the scene. He was arrested nearby.

Danes, aged 37, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and grievous bodily harm at Taunton Crown Court earlier this month. Today he was sentenced to ten years in prison for attempted robbery and three years for the assault. Both sentences will be served concurrently and he will serve a minimum of five years before being considered for release on licence.

Jane Pallister and Daniel Warke (the daughter and son of the victim) said after the sentencing: "One night earlier this year a man entered our father's flat and assaulted him. He caused serious injuries to a 79-year-old man and left him feeling shaken and vulnerable. It was a callous and cowardly act.

"Fortunately our father has been well supported by his family but the impact on his life cannot be underestimated. We are pleased that the man who committed this horrible attack will now be in prison for a long time and we hope he gives some thought to his actions and the consequences they have had for him, our father and the rest of our family."

Detective Constable Andy Bath, who investigated the incident, said: "Maurice Danes committed assault and attempted robbery on an elderly man in Taunton. I am pleased that he has pleaded guilty and in doing so spared his victim and family the tough ordeal of having to relive the experience. Danes has now been imprisoned and will be unable to harm anyone for a long time.

"This assault was treated very seriously and a thorough investigation has taken place. As part of that we quickly arrested Danes while he was still in the same street the attack took place. I hope this sentence helps the victim and his family continue to move on from what was a very difficult time for them.

Fortunately attacks like this are very rare and this sentence shows how serious the police and courts deal with offenders of such violent crimes. "

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