Homeless man attacked woman who let him stay

Jason Dyer was given a roof over his head but decided to violently attack the woman who helped him

A homeless man who was given a place to stay inside an elderly woman's home has been handed a life sentence for attacking her.

Police said Jason Dyer was offered accommodation by a "vulnerable woman" in her 70s, who allowed him into her home in Harworth, Nottinghamshire.

But on 18 October 2024, Dyer violently attacked the woman by repeatedly punching her, leaving her with multiple facial fractures and a bleed on the brain.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, the 54-year-old, of no fixed abode, was told he would have to serve a minimum prison term of nine years and 241 days for grievous bodily harm with intent.

'Covered in blood'

The victim was found suffering from "significant injuries" by her carer, after her daughter became concerned about her during a phone call.

Dyer was in the same room at the time and "admitted he had hit her", the police said.

Officers attended the woman's home where Dyer's hands and knuckles were "covered in blood" and he was subsequently arrested.

Dyer had initially denied the charge against him but changed his plea to guilty in April, when a trial was due to begin.

Following sentencing, Det Con Ryan Lambert said: "Dyer was given a roof over his head by the victim and he responded with this despicable attack.

"She suffered some deeply unpleasant and lasting injuries and is still suffering from the after-effects.

"I hope she is able to take some comfort from the news Dyer is now behind bars."