Man Guilty of Alan Barnes Assault

A 25-year-old man has admitted attacking disabled pensioner Alan Barnes, whose plight prompted people to donate thousands of pounds to an online appeal.

Published 24th Feb 2015

A 25-year-old man has admitted attacking disabled pensioner Alan Barnes, whose plight prompted people to donate thousands of pounds to an online appeal.

Richard Gatiss, from Gateshead, pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to assault with intent to rob 4ft 6in, visually-impaired Mr Barnes, who was left too scared to return home. Mr Barnes received #330,000 from well-wishers after beautician Katie Cutler, 21, set up an online fund. The 67-year-old still has no firm plans for the windfall following the incident outside his home in Low Fell, Gateshead, on January 25 in which he fell and broke his collar bone.