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Taunton D-Day veteran claw hammer attack: Man in court

BBC Jim BoothBBC
Jim Booth was attacked by a cold caller asking if he needed any work doing to his Taunton house

A man has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of a 96-year-old D-Day veteran who was attacked with a claw hammer.

Jim Booth was seriously injured when he was attacked by a cold caller at his home in Taunton, Somerset on Wednesday.

Joseph Isaacs, 39, of no fixed abode, spoke only to confirm his name at Taunton Magistrates' Court.

Mr Isaacs, who is also accused of aggravated burglary, was remanded in custody.

The court heard in relation to the burglary charge, Mr Isaacs was accused of stealing a NatWest debit card and a Santander cheque, and of having a claw hammer with him.

In a statement, Mr Booth's family said he is facing a "long process of recovery".

During World War Two, Mr Booth was part of a top-secret team of submariners who slipped into the waters off Normandy to scout the beaches.

Mr Isaacs will next appear at Taunton Crown Court on 22 December.