A VULNERABLE man fishing late in the evening on his local canal has been left with terrible injuries after being badly assaulted by a group of young thugs.
Keen angler Robert Stevenson, who has learning difficulties, was set upon and knocked unconscious for no reason by a group of at least ten thugs on the Coventry Canal at Bolehall in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
When he regained consciousness he managed to walk home and was then taken to A&E at the local hospital.
The 58-year-old is now recovering at home after suffering a fractured eye socket, broken ribs and a broken cheekbone.
Niece Donna Moore explained: “It is absolutely disgusting. Whoever did this is scum of the earth, cowards, vile human beings.
“He was knocked unconscious and woke up and walked home then he went to hospital with a friend. He is very shaken and distressed.
“Robert is recovering at home but needs to wait for the swelling to go down before he has surgery to fix his broken cheekbone. He is very upset and scared to go out.
“He has learning difficulties, and he gets a lot of support from his neighbours.
“I have no idea why anyone would do it, he is a well-known guy around Bolehall and liked by many. He is absolutely harmless,” she added.
Coventry Canal thugs sought by Police
A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police told Angler’s Mail: “We are investigating a serious assault which left the victim with fractures to his jaw, nose and left eye socket and bruised ribs.
“The attack took place between 8-9pm on Friday, April 20, at a spot known locally as Monkey Bridge, where the man was beaten and kicked by a group of youths.
“He was treated for his injuries in Good Hope Hospital on Saturday night and discharged the following morning.
“Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quote incident number 676 of 21 April. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
CAUGHT A BIG FISH OR GOT SOME NEWS? Email photos and details exclusively to: anglersmail@timeinc.com – you could appear in the must-read print magazine.
SUBSCRIBE TO ANGLER’S MAIL PRINT MAG AT A LOW PRICE!
The best weekly print magazine, Angler’s Mail, will be delivered to you.
Just subscribe to one of the top Sale deals online at our official website for magazine subs: magazinesdirect.com.
You’ll then get Angler’s Mail print magazine delivered to your door, anywhere in the world, at discounted rates from just 96p per week!
You may also like to read these Angler’s Mail stories…
World’s best fish catch after scary wasp attack
The Korda TV production manager and former Angler’s Mail news reporter was on an amazing trip to Colombia. He was…
“Lucky to be alive” says strangled night angler
AN angler who was illegally night fishing was strangled and had white spirit poured down his throat during a terrifying…
213 lb – despite heart-attack!
EVEN a heart attack couldn’t prevent Ray Smee from framing in a recent match… with a double-ton haul! Ray just…
Pike attacks angler!
STUNNED pleasure angler Gary Wines was left covered in claret after a pike attacked his hand! The 53-year-old builder was…