Brave pensioner punched burglar (From The Northern Echo)

Brave pensioner punched burglar

11:02am Thursday 18th December 2008 in

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A BURGLAR fled empty handed after he was punched in the face by a brave pensioner.

Paul Phythian had crept into James MacWilliams' Pelaw home and was about to snatch a bottle of wine from a kitchen bench.

Mr MacWilliams' was shocked to see an arm reach out to take the bottle of wine from the work bench.

But the career criminal was stopped in his tracks when the 69-year-old grabbed him and lashed out with his fist.

After the 35-year-old was hit in the face he made off from the daylight raid empty handed.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Mr MacWilliams had been recovering from an accident at home when he was disturbed by a noise on August 13.

He told police: "I'm 69, I'm fairly immobile as a result of an accident and I got a serious shock when I saw the male standing there.

"I remember considering whether I was doing the right thing when I grabbed him as he was younger and taller than me.

"However, I felt I had to have a go and stop the man.

"I feel saddened and shocked this happened in daylight when I was in my own home."

Phythian, of Musgrave Terrace, Washington, admitted burglary after Mr MacWilliams picked him out at an identity parade.

Even his own barrister Jamie Adams praised the actions of the plucky pensioner.

Mr Adams said: "Mr MacWilliams has shown himself to be a real stalwart individual.

"Everyone would say the same thing - good for him."

Judge David Hodson also praised the bravery of Mr McWilliams.

The judge said: "He was in ill health following an accident but he was very robust in his approach.

"He deserves congratulations."

Phythian, who has a string of previous convictions including multiple burglaries, was sentenced to 40 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years with supervision and drug rehabilitation.

The judge told him: "Somehow or other the dreadful cycle you have got into of addiction and then committing offences has got to be broken."