Homeless man, 39, appears in dock accused of trying to murder 96-year-old D-Day hero with a claw hammer
World War Two veteran Jim Booth suffered life threatening injuries following the attack at his bungalow in Taunton, Somerset
A HOMELESS man has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of a 96-year-old D-Day hero injured in a claw hammer attack.
World War Two veteran Jim Booth suffered life threatening injuries following the attack at his bungalow in Taunton, Somerset.
Jim, described by his family as an "exceptional person", was taken to hospital in a potentially life-threatening condition on Wednesday.
Joseph Isaacs, of no fixed address, who is also accused of aggravated burglary in relation to the incident, appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court today.
The court heard Isaacs was accused of stealing a NatWest debit card and a Santander cheque and of having a claw hammer with him.
Isaacs, who spoke to confirm his name and date of birth, was remanded in custody to appear at Taunton Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on December 22.
Jim, who is still recovering in hospital, is the only surviving member of a ten-man crack team that spent five days underwater before the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
From a submarine half-a-mile underwater, he guided Allies to the beach - helping them avoid rocks and the Nazis the team were spying on.
The decorated war hero, who once danced with the Duchess of Cornwall, is now said to be "growing a little stronger each day".
Jim joined the Royal Navy as a seaman at 18, serving throughout the war and becoming part of the Combined Operations Pilotage Parties (COPP), based on a wartime military base set up on Hayling Island.
His family said: "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.
"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."
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