Thief Who Robbed And Injured Pensioner Has Boiling Water Poured Over Him In Prison

A criminal who mugged and injured an old lady has suffered a 'horrific' attack in prison.

Dean Kenyon, 35, required extensive surgery after another inmate poured boiling water over his arms and legs.

Kenyon was in custody after he snatched a purse from a 79-year-old woman in January, knocking her to the ground and leaving her with life-changing injuries.

Kenyon appeared for his robbery sentencing via video link from HMP Durham, having pleaded guilty to robbery in a previous hearing.

His lawyer, Chris Morrison, told the Durham Crown Court that his client had suffered a horrific attack while in custody.

"He had boiling water poured over his arms and legs, resulting in skin grafts to his arms and legs," Morrison said.

"He has had five skin graft operations and his mobility is to be affected by these.

"He is currently heavily sedated and is in constant and searing pain."

The court heard that Kenyon's level of remorse is significant, with his lawyer describing the 35-year-old as 'mortified' by his actions.

"The level of remorse in this matter is apparent," his lawyer said.

"When the sober realisation of what he had done to that vulnerable lady dawned upon him, he was mortified, and is mortified to this day."

Kenyon's lawyer added that he robbed the 79-year-old woman to 'acquire money for drugs'.

Despite Kenyon's remorse, the court heard that this is the second time he had attacked and robbed a woman.

The Durham Crown Court was told Kenyon had previously snatched the purse of a Teeside woman in her 50s in October 2020.

Her bank cards were later recovered from Kenyon, but treasured photos of her parents that she kept inside her purse were never found.

The Teeside woman was left so traumatised by the attack she became too afraid to leave her home.

Judge James Adkin handed Kenyon a six-year prison sentence, with a three-year extended licence.