Attacker’s sentence is branded ‘ridiculous’ by frail victim aged 84

AN ELDERLY woman who suffered an “utterly cowardly and vicious” attack at the hands of a drug addict has branded his sentence “ridiculous” after it emerged he could be back on the streets in less than three years.

Burly Jason Forrest, 31, had been desperate for money to fund a heroin addiction, and targeted frail 84-year-old widow Catherine Henderson in her own home.

He forced his way into her flat in Hilltown, Dundee, and pushed her to the floor. He sat astride her and rained punch after punch on to her head and body, while demanding to know where she kept her cash. He left her battered and “in an awful mess” and fled with just £80.

Forrest was yesterday sentenced to five-and-a-half years imprisonment – but will be eligible for parole after serving half the term.