A man has been charged with aggravated burglary and the attempted murder of a D-Day veteran, who was seriously injured in a suspected claw hammer attack.
Jim Booth who has been described as an “exceptional person” and a “legend” by his family, was allegedly attacked at his home in Gipsy Lane in Taunton, Somerset, on Wednesday afternoon.
Joseph Isaacs, 39, of no fixed address, was charged in connection with the incident on Sunday and will appear at Taunton Deane Magistrates’ Court on Monday, Avon and Somerset Police said.
Issacs allegedly posed as a cold caller when he arrived on the doorstep of Mr Booth’s home and asked if he needed any work done.
When he was refused he allegedly began attacking the 96-year-old.
Mr Booth managed to raise the alarm with a neighbour and was rushed to hospital where he was described as in a “potentially life-threatening” condition.
It is believed a claw hammer was used to attack Mr Booth who suffered serious injuries to his head and body.
In a statement released through Avon and Somerset Police on Saturday, Mr Booth’s family thanked officers and medical staff, who they said had been “deeply affected” by the incident.
“He is the head of the family, a dearly-loved father to his four children and adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, to whom he’s simply known as The Legend,” they said.
“He is, and always has been, our own family hero. Our father is not easily defeated and he grows a little stronger each day.
“We are all now focused on the long process of recovery, which will be helped by the love and support of all those around him.”
The family also thanked the staff at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton which treated him after he was first admitted.
They said: “We recognise that the police and medical staff who have been involved have been deeply affected and we want to thank them, on our father’s behalf.
“Countless friends, neighbours, members of the community and even strangers, have expressed their shock, incomprehension and outrage.
“We acknowledge and share those feelings.”
Mr Booth was awarded a Croix de Guerre military medal by the French for his service during the Second World War.
He joined the Royal Navy as a seaman at the age of 18 and served throughout the war.
On D-Day, Mr Booth climbed into a fold-up canoe and shone a beacon out to sea to guide Allied craft safely to shore.
HIs family said they were “immensely proud” of their father who was an “exceptional person”.
Additional reporting by PA
