A man who beat his elderly uncle black and blue – attacking him with pans and plates in his own kitchen – has been jailed after Police fought for justice in the late victim’s name.
John Lancaster flew into a drunken rage at Donald Mills’ Kitts Green home on 29 July last year having asked if he could stay the night.
He threatened the 85-year-old with a knife, split his head open with a frying pan and cut him with shattered crockery.
And while his elderly relative was defenceless on the floor Lancaster poured milk, vinegar, coffee and other condiments over his body.
Police found Lancaster collapsed drunk in the front garden and went on to charge him with wounding.
Mr Mills spent several days in hospital before he was released – but sadly died weeks later having been injured in a fall.
Police were determined to progress the case to secure justice for Mr Mills and on Thursday (26 Aug) Lancaster, aged 49, was jailed for six years and 10 months having admitted wounding at Birmingham Crown Court.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Andrew Snowdon from our Force CID, said: “After Mr Mills passed away I couldn’t find anyone who seemed to be on his side or had any interest in progressing the case.
“I was determined we needed to get justice for him and pushed for the toughest possible outcome at court.
“This was a callous attack on a defenceless man. Lancaster went on a drunken rampage, smashed up the house, and carried out a sustained and ferocious attack. He also threatened Mr Mills with a knife.
“I am pleased that he has pleaded guilty and although the victim is sadly no longer with us, we believed it was our duty to seek justice for him.”
Our officers looked at a potential link between the victim’s fatal fall and the earlier attack but it was not possible to connect the two events.