Ex-soldier who attacked Shropshire couple in their home is jailed

Dale Wilson was jailed for 21 months for offences of battery and causing actual bodily harm to Colin Tolly, 63, who has a heart condition, and his wife Susan, 59, who has mobility problems.

The 22-year-old ex-squaddie admitted the attacks, which took place in the couple's former home in Grove Meadow, Cleobury Mortimer, on March 3, 2013.

Mr Kevin Jones, prosecuting at Shrewsbury Crown Court, said the attack had begun at about midnight when Mr Tolly heard a noise from outside and found Wilson standing on a pile of wood at the back of his caravan.

"Mr Tolly formed the impression that he was drunk and told his wife to call the police," Mr Jones said.

"He told Mr Wilson and he came towards him. Mr Tolly tried to get back into the house and lock the door but Mr Wilson forced the door. It flew back and knocked Mr Tolly off balance.

"The defendant pulled him down and headbutted him to the forehead. He then bites him on the ear.

"Mrs Tolly is saying 'leave him' and starts hitting him with her walking stick. She hit him twice on the head. The stick is taken out of her hand but then Mr Tolly manages to get it back and strikes at his attacker."

Mr Jones said Mrs Tolly was knocked to the floor in the scuffle and couldn't get back up while her husband and Wilson continued to grapple in the lounge. After a few more moments Wilson got up and kicked Mrs Tolly in the face before running out of the house.

In an impact statement given following the attack, Mr Tolly said: "We had to move out. It was such a shock that someone could do what he did to us. The front door was damaged beyond repair. My wife lies awake at night unable to sleep. She has had to see a doctor to help her to sleep."

Wilson, of Redstone Lane, Stourport-on-Severn, had written a letter to the Tollys which was read out during the hearing at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday.

In it he said: "I'm deeply sorry for my actions. I totally deserve the consequences. I will live to regret that night. It was stupid. I hope you can both move on without fear in your own home. I don't think I can apologise enough. I truly am sorry."

Judge Robin Onions sentenced Wilson to 18 months for the assault on Mr Tolly and a further three months for the battery on Mrs Tolly.

He said: "Only a custodial sentence is justified. I accept that for young people who fight for the armed services there is a lot demanded of them, and on their return home the care given is not as good as it could be, but that is no excuse for acting the way that you did."

The prosecution offered no evidence on a further charge of burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm and Judge Onions gave a not guilty verdict.