‘Fairy story’ ending for injured pensioner Alan Barnes

The disabled pensioner Alan Barnes who was mugged outside of his home in Gateshead has said receiving the £330,000 cheque was “like a fairy story”.

The 4ft 6in visually impaired pensioner was the guest ofhonour at a glitzy event at Newcastle Assembly Rooms, organised by his new friend Katie Cutler, the 21-year-old who started the fundraising campaign that went global.

Mr Barnes, 67, was left too scared to return home and the online fundraiser raised £330,000 before stopping – leaving him with enough to buy a new home.

A 25-year-old man has appeared in court this week charged with assault with intent to rob.

At the presentation event he said:

He plans to buy a house near Ms Cutler in Greenside, Gateshead, but is waiting for his bone to heal before he starts hunting. He said he will also undertake charity work with the money.

Of his recovery, he said:

Alan spoke modestly of his painful break, simply calling it an"inconvenience" and went on to say that he didn't think people would fundraise for him.

When she set up the fund for Mr Barnes her aim was to raise £500 to pay for new curtains and carpets if he moved house. She thanked the media for helping her campaigns and will now take stock of what has happened to her in the last fortnight.