TV Crimewatch appeal hit by tennis
Jul 1 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal
“But unlike many investigations, Crimewatch was not a last resort for us. It could be significant, however, in that it is watched by a number of professionals such as police and prison officers and social workers.
“But we do have other irons in the fire.”
The raiders, who mistakenly believed Dr Benson kept money in a safe in his house, woke him and demanded he opened the safe, punched him around the head and threatened him with a large knife, before leaving him stranded in his bed 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.
His recovery since the ordeal has been “remarkable”, added the detective.
He said that Dr Benson, a keen sailor in his youth, had identified the accent of one of his three attackers as “the coastal area to the east of Newcastle, somewhere like North Shields or Wallsend.”
Anyone with information which they think could be useful to the investigators can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
