Hi °C | Lo °C This is the have-a-go pensioner who could go to prison - for DEFENDING HIMSELF against a teenage thug.
This is the have-a-go pensioner who could go to prison - for DEFENDING HIMSELF against a teenage thug.
John Niblock (75) from Monkstown has been charged with actual bodily harm after admitting punching the 15-year-old.
The grandad said he struck the teenager after being threatened while travelling on a bus in north Belfast last September.
Mr Niblock also claimed he'd been charged despite receiving verbal assurances from police and a letter from the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) saying he would not be taken to court.
The part-time car-park attendant - who was viciously beaten by robbers in January 2005 - is vowing to contest the charges.
Said John: "I don't want to go to court at my age - I couldn't believe it when I was told I was being charged with actual bodily harm. I admit striking out at the teenager, but I only did this because I panicked when he approached me on the bus and told me I was going to 'get done'.
"The only thing I did was ask him and his two friends to keep quiet on the bus and to stop shouting out the windows and creating mischief.
"I thought the matter was resolved when a police officer told me I would not be charged and when I received the (first) letter from the PPS. I have lost a lot of sleep over this matter.
"The only thing I did was defend myself - I will not be pleading guilty to anything. As far as I am concerned I have done nothing wrong, and want a trial by jury."
A spokesman for Mr Niblock's solicitors, McIvor and Farrell, added: "It is unlikely, but our client could go to prison.
"The court proceedings are having a very serious effect on Mr Niblock's health, even more so when he was told verbally and by letter he would not be facing any court action."
A spokeswoman for Help the Aged said: "This is clearly a difficult time for Mr Niblock, his family and friends.
"Help the Aged is unable to comment directly on this case and would not want to say anything that might jeopardise its outcome.
"However, Mr Niblock's situation does raise questions about the respect that is afforded older people in our communities. It is unacceptable that any older person should be made to feel threatened or intimidated while trying to go about their everyday life."
sbreen@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
