Alan Barnes’ life changed forever when he was set upon by Richard Gatiss, who was a legal high user and searching for cash, near his home in Gateshead 10 years ago
A disabled pensioner says the vicious mugging he suffered a decade ago has changed the course of life forever.
Alan Barnes, who is just 4ft6in tall and has complex disabilities, had his simple life turned upside down 10 years ago when a drug addict mugged him outside his home in Gateshead exactly 10 years ago today. Richard Gatiss, the callous thief responsible, pushed him to the ground before rifling through his pockets for cash.
Alan was left terrified after the attack while moving his wheelie bin outside his bungalow. But the disabled pensioner’s plight was shared in a Newcastle Chronicle article, prompting an outpouring of public support. Alan became £300,000 richer and his ordeal was discussed and abhorred by Brits up and down the country.
Marking a decade since the attack, 77-year-old Alan explained how he is still recognised while walking down the street. Alan said: “I don’t think about him or the attack. You hear of a lot of other stuff that’s much worse. It was nothing compared to some other things. It did change my life. I got to know a lot of new people. I’m very thankful for what I got so I’m putting back in what I can.”
Alan was born with a series of defects, including height and growth problems, after his mum contracted German measles during pregnancy. His disabilities mean he is registered blind, stands at just 4ft 6ins and weighs less than six stone. Alan, however went on to live an independent life and was well-known around Low Fell in Gateshead, where he still lives.
Alan was moving the wheelie bin outside his bungalow, on Hillside Place in Low Fell, on the evening of Sunday, January 25 2015 when Gatiss appeared out of the darkness.
The drug addict pushed frail Alan to the ground before rifling through his coat pockets looking for cash. But Gatiss fled empty-handed when Alan began shouting for help. And the victim, who suffered a broken collar bone when he hit the ground, then struggled to a neighbour’s home to get help.
Days later, Alan relived his ordeal in an exclusive interview with the Chronicle, in which he revealed how the attack had left him afraid to return to the bungalow he had once called home. Our article sparked anger and outrage across the region and beyond as readers struggled to comprehend how such a vulnerable man could be targeted in this way.
And the story also caught the eye of local beautician Katie Cutler, from Greenside, who was so touched by Alan’s plight she launched an online fundraising page to help Alan out. Katie initially set out to raise just £500 via the GoFundMe page with the aim of helping Alan settle in a new home. However, thousands of pounds was pledged within days.
Katie eventually closed the fund when more than £330,000 had been collected, meaning Alan had enough money to buy a home of his own for the first time.
Meanwhile Alan and Katie, who at the time vowed to be ‘friends for life’, made regular appearances on television and radio with Katie being dubbed ‘the Angel of the North’, by some. And Alan says he is still recognised wherever he goes.
