Elderly army veteran, 88, is left barely able to walk after being crushed under wheels of his OWN car as he tried to stop it being stolen – as cowardly robber, 37, is jailed for 14 years
- Ronald Kenny, 88, was crushed under wheels of his own car during robbery
- Ian Gibbons, 37, abandoned Mr Kenny’s Ford Fiesta nearby and was arrested
- Mr Kenny suffered ‘life-changing injuries’ and has been left barely able to walk
- Gibbons has been jailed for 14 years after admitting intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery and dangerous driving
An elderly Army veteran has been left barely able to walk after he was thrown off the bonnet of his car and run over by a cowardly crook.
Ronald Kenny, 88, was rammed into a parked car and then crushed under the wheels of his Ford Fiesta as he attempted to stop Ian Gibbons outside an off-licence in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, a court heard.
The former soldier, who served in the Armed Forces for more than 30 years and was honoured by the Queen in 1992, suffered ‘life-changing injuries’ including a fractured femur and had to undergo surgery for a hip replacement.
Gibbons, from Rochdale, abandoned Mr Kenny’s car nearby and was arrested later, Greater Manchester Police said.
It emerged that he had attacked another man and stolen £5 as the victim put change in his pocket following a visit to a Morrisons. Gibbons was handed a suspended sentence for theft at the time.
In a statement at Minshull Street Crown Court, Mr Kenny said he is now struggling to care for his blind and infirm wife of 63 years.
Gibbons, 37, has been jailed for 14 years after admitting intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery and dangerous driving.
‘I just recall feeling totally disorientated and in excruciating pain, with a number of people around me,’ Mr Kenny said.
Ronald Kenny, 88, was rammed into a parked car and then crushed under the wheels of his Ford Fiesta as he attempted to stop Ian Gibbons (pictured) outside an off-licence in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, a court heard
‘I am utterly disappointed with the actions of the male who could clearly see that I am elderly and acted with menace to steal my vehicle and drove the vehicle at, and over, me.’
Police said Mr Kenny was stood in front of the bonnet of his car as it was driven towards him and he was knocked to the ground.
He got to his feet again and continued to stand in front of the Fiesta, but Gibbons reversed and ran him over with the car a second time.
Prosecutor Juliet Berry told the court that the incident ‘has had a terrible impact on (Mr Kenny’s) mobility and to enjoy life with his wife’.
‘Mr Kenny drove from his home address and parked up outside a shop. He left his keys in the ignition,’ she said. ‘Mr Kenny was in the shop for less than one minute when the defendant arrived and got into the driver’s side of Mr Kenny car.
In a statement at Minshull Street Crown Court, Mr Kenny said he is now struggling to care for his blind and infirm wife of 63 years
‘Mr Kenny came out of the shop to see this defendant in the driving seat. Mr Kenny tried to stop him taking the car by getting on the bonnet and speaking to him. He said he would not chase him if he chose to get out of the car.
‘But the defendant then accelerated whilst Mr Kenny was on the bonnet into a stationary parked car in front. He then reversed in an attempt to get away. Mr Kenny was thrown into the road. The defendant drove away and abandoned the car.
‘The defendant hid the key under a bush. DNA was found on the steering wheel. Several members of the public witnesses the incident and someone who was medically trained came to his assistance.
‘Mr Kenny sustained injuries and was taken to A&E at Salford royal hospital. He suffered a fracture to the right femur and it was deemed necessary for him to undergo surgery for a hip replacement and plastic surgery to replace damage to his finger.’
Detective Constable Andrew Whitehill of Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Gibbons’ callous and cowardly actions left an elderly man with serious and life-changing injuries.
‘The victim showed incredible bravery and strength in not only fighting back against Gibbons’ actions but also to be able to survive this kind of horrific attack.’
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