15 years for man who kicked Bradford pensioner unconscious

A MAN has been jailed for 15 years after a “nasty and unprovoked attack” which left a Bradford pensioner so badly injured he had to have his legs amputated.

Bartolomej Makula, 34, attacked 66-year-old Keith Alder outside his home as he was returning from a night out in October last year.

Mr Alder was beaten with baseball bats and kicked unconscious by a number of men, including Makula, and remains in hospital six months after the attack.

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Makula, of Southfield Lane, Great Horton, Bradford, earlier pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court to grievous bodily harm with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.

Speaking after the sentencing, Pc Laura Worsnop, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “As Bartolomej Makula has learned today, there is only one outcome for those who commit serious violence on the streets of Bradford.

“This was a nasty and completely unprovoked attack which has changed the victim’s life forever.

“The quick response of officers to the assault meant we were able to gather the vital forensic evidence that linked him to the offence.”

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Pc Worsnop said two other people had been arrested in connection with the attack but were later released.

The officer added: “Should we receive information which would provide further evidence as to those involved, we will rigorously pursue this to get the justice that Mr Keith Alder and his family deserve.”

Mr Alder was returning from a charity night at a social club at 11.15pm on October 22 when the gang attacked him.

He suffered head injuries and kidney damage and has undergone numerous operations and complications as a result of the attack.

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The retired roofer had to have his legs amputated above the knee after suffering from gangrene and will remain in hospital for the foreseeable future.

Mr Alder’s wife, Cath, described the attack on her husband as “heartbreaking”.

“Everything that’s happened was triggered by the attack that night,” Mrs Alder said.

“He is a strong man, friends call him Big John. No-one else could have got through it like he has but this battle will be with us for the rest of our lives.”