'I won't let cowardly burglar ruin my life'
A 74-year-old man who was tied up and threatened at
knifepoint in his own home has branded his attacker a
-
Derek Upfield
"coward".
Derek Upfield was subjected to the 30-minute ordeal by an
unknown man, who took £500 worth of property and cash and a
collection of his late father's medals, which had been awarded
in the First World War.
But today, defiant Mr Upfield, a former cabinet maker, said
he is determined not to let the attack ruin his life.
He told the Mail: "I was shaken up on the night and across
the weekend I wasn't very good, but I'm over it now, it is in
the past and I am going to carry on my life.
"Not for one minute am I going to let the cowardly actions
of this man change my life at all."
Mr Upfield was sitting alone in his home along Bentley
Grove, north Hull, when the doorbell rang at 10pm on
Friday.
After answering the door, a man burst in the house, forcing
the pensioner back inside, before hitting him in the face
dragging him to a chair, shackling his wrists and ankles and
threatening him with a knife.
After searching through the living room and kitchen –
repeatedly threatening to kill Mr Upfield's dog Jimmy with an
eight-inch blade – he found £100, which Mr Upfield was going to
use to pay for a Greek language course.
He was then hoisted on to the man's shoulder and carried
upstairs before being thrown on to the bed – all the time bound
by the wrists and ankles.
The man then rifled through Mr Upfield possessions, taking a
mobile phone, digital camera and a laptop computer before
making the discovery of the medals in a wardrobe.
The offender is a white man, 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in, in his
early 20s, of medium build, with short brown hair and a slim
face.
He was wearing a dark, waist-length jacket, black trousers
and carrying a black bag.
Witnesses should call Humberside Police on 0845 6060222 or
Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
34 Comments
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by Alex, Hull
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 1:41PM
“Well isn't someone supposed to watch your back in conflict anyway Tony??
Just a thought”
by Tony, West Hull
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 12:35PM
“Alex, I understand your sentiments here, but I would not wish any such scum near me or mine in the field of conflict. I would spend too much time watching my kit and my back.”
by Alex, Hull
Wednesday, August 27 2008, 8:30AM
“"I won't let cowardly burglar ruin my life"
Good Man!
You tell 'em!
why should you a war veteran (who has witnessed far more terrifying events from Nazi Germany give this low life piece of S*** what he wants, fear.
Seriously all these scum bags who steal from Veterans deserve to be sent to Iraq and be told to steal from our boys and girls (who are fightng day and night just to make a country safe from terrorsim) under enemy fire constantly and then ask them did they still like it!! I bet that will make them cry which I think will make everyone happy!
and I agree with Daniel from Hull, I too hope that this low life is reading this.”
by ricky,, hull
Tuesday, August 26 2008, 10:36PM
“your a very brave man mr upfield and i wish you a speedy recovery.its just a shame the police force as gone right down the pan,hence this low life doing what he did,cos if he was spotted in action in this poor vetrans home they would only of visited the scene of crime the next day.this lout should of respected this man,anyway when he is caught and if he goes to prison,im sure a few of the lads will know what hes in for and give the b-stard what he deserves.”
by Julie, Hessle
Tuesday, August 26 2008, 8:34PM
“Pete, Pete There is minority of kids of today who dont know the word respect why do things like this happen like this to this poor innocent pensioner sorry thats what i meant to say i know we cant class everyone tied to the same brush”
by Pete, Pete
Tuesday, August 26 2008, 7:58PM
“Julie of Hessle. I am nearer to 70 than 65, and believe me respect for the elderly is still there, alive and well. I see many young people on my walks with the dog and each and every one gives me the respect I earn by being polite to them. The major problem I see, is the elderly who believe they have the right to respect when they themselves do not practice what they preach at the young”
by Mick, Hull
Tuesday, August 26 2008, 7:01PM
“Steve what a heartless and sensless comment you have put on here! Its fools like you who wont live as long as this guy, As your mouth will get you a good hiding cant the hdm moderator block this steve city till i die off here totally from posting comments!”
by Julie, Hessle
Tuesday, August 26 2008, 4:40PM
“There's just no more respect for our elders today, The man responsible is spineless and no thought. very much hope he is caught and given a jail sentence with possible key thrown away, Animal”
by Paul, hull
Tuesday, August 26 2008, 4:10PM
“what a sad society we live in, get well soon Mr. Upfield and good luck with your Greek classes, its a great language and you are to be commended for making the effort to learn it. Its a shame the scum who did this probably has difficulty with English, i have one word for him...MALAKA!”
by Mandy, Hull
Tuesday, August 26 2008, 3:56PM
“What a gutless and spineless person to attack an old age pensioner, I bet this person would not attack someone who was a lot younger because he would have probably got a good kicking himself and that is what he needs. Coward!!! Besst wishes to Mr Upfield and take care and I am sure this scumbag will brag about it somewhere and get caught.”