Richard Gatiss has been jailed for four years at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting assault with intent to rob Alan Barnes outside his home in Gateshead. Newcastle Crown Court heard Gatiss was desperate for money to buy so-called legal highs when he tried to mug the 4ft 6in pensioner.
The man who attacked disabled pensioner Alan Barnes has been sentenced to four years in jail. Richard Gatiss admitted assaulting Mr Barnes with the intention of robbing him.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Gatiss recognised Mr Barnes from growing up in Gateshead - and targeted him because he was vulnerable.
The defence said that Gatiss "was not a monster" but that he was driven by his addiction to legal highs. Gatiss initially denied attacking Mr Barnes, describing it as "sick and disgusting".
When presented with DNA evidence, Gatiss tried to pretend a man had threatened him with a knife and made him rob Mr Barnes. But eventually he admitted the crime.
Well-wishers raised £330,000 for the pensioner within days of the assault, which left Mr Barnes scared to return to his home.
"I would personally like to thank the local community for their amazing donations of food, toiletries and clothing. "
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