Man sentenced following Overseal robbery

A detective has welcomed the sentence given to a man for his part in a violent attack on a pensioner.

Ivor Southerd was attacked and beaten by three men at his home in Acresford Road, Overseal in February last year.

The trio threatened him with a shotgun that was in a cabinet in the house and demanded money. They made off with a substantial amount of cash.

Mr Southerd received substantial cuts and bruises to his face, head and body as a result of the attack.

Yesterday at Derby Crown Court Gheorghita Ioardache (27) was sentenced to nine years after pleading guilty to robbery.

Detective Superintendent Russ Foster, who oversaw the investigation into the attack, said: "This was a particularly brutal assault on a 75-year-old man at his own home which not only left his badly injured but has also rocked his confidence.

"It is a pleasing sentence in that it sends out a clear deterrent to others who may think they can target people in such ways for their own gain and I hope it gives Mr Southerd some kind of peace of mind."

Vasile Mihai was also charged with robbery in connection with the offence. He has not been seen since being bailed at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court on March 7th 2009.

His last know address was in the Erdington area of Birmingham and he is of Romanian origin.

Anyone who knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact Derbyshire police on 0345 123 33 33 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.