Crimewatch plea over attack on ex-GP William Benson
Jun 29 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal
A RECONSTRUCTION of the vicious attack on a frail retired County Durham doctor will be featured on television’s Crimewatch tonight.
Three burglars forced their way into the home on the outskirts of Stanley of former GP William Benson, 92, just after midnight on October 17 last year.
They demanded money from the terrified pensioner, punched him around the head and threatened him with a large knife, before leaving him stranded in his bed lying injured and helpless for nine hours until a carer arrived and raised the alarm.
Dr Benson, who served the town for 50 years, was initially treated for his injuries at Durham’s University Hospital, before being transferred to an independent care home.
Det Insp Geoff Smith said despite the massive publicity the incident had attracted, the response from the public had been “disappointing”.
He said he hoped a high-profile appeal on Crimewatch would jog people’s memories about the brutality of the robbery.
