Serial Offender Jailed for Violent Attack on Elderly Man

A 35-year-old woman has been sentenced to eight years in prison after a violent attack on an elderly man in his Swansea home. Sheila Sampson assaulted the victim, who is in his 80s, by strangling him with cord and striking him with a glass ashtray before stealing his money.

CCTV footage revealed Sampson arrived by car at 10:01pm and waited for the victim, who had been watching football at the Cross Keys pub. She gained entry to his Manselton home by asking to use his toilet, before claiming her name was Emily and that she had family nearby.

When the elderly gentleman twice refused to give her money, she produced cord from her pocket, strangled him, and struck him repeatedly with a glass ashtray. As he lay bleeding, she emptied his wallet and searched his trouser pockets for change.

The court heard Sampson has 24 previous convictions for 51 offences, including violence, weapons, and dishonesty. At the time of the attack, she was on licence from prison following a previous robbery conviction.

In a statement to the court, the victim said: “I feel very worried and fearful of being on the street where I live and of entering my own home, but I am not going to let the incident dictate the final years of my life.”

Defence lawyer Stuart John told the court Sampson was “absolutely determined” to use her prison time to make “substantive changes that are necessary in her life.”

Recorder Paul Lewis imposed an extended sentence after noting the attack showed evidence of planning. Sampson must serve at least four years before being considered for parole, followed by a two-year licence period. 👨‍⚖️