Updated: 19th December 2016, 11:26 am
Dramatic moment pensioner is rescued after cowering for 17 HOURS in a Somerset cave
Thug sprayed BLEACH into mum's eyes and held pensioner hostage during terror spree
Pensioner, 82, is left lying in garden with head injury for nearly FOUR HOURS waiting for ambulance
A rampaging GOAT tears through streets in Northern Ireland and attacks a pensioner called Billy
Ward's father, Mark Ward Snr, 44, of Heywood was convicted of conspiracy to steal.
Neil Fryman, prosecuting, said: ''These men were not opportunists but part of a very sophisticated and highly organised gang of men - a determined group of professional thieves who were going to steal whatever the risk to anyone in their way.
“Sadly Mr Ray was in their way - it may have been an accident waiting to happen.
"They took the decision to take his van knowing he's either in the van at the back or right next to it. The offenders followed the van into the unit and they watched him for nine minutes unloading the detergent one by one.
"If you're taking the van you stand the risk the person will hold onto it and try to protect their goods. They took it and carried on regardless - he's killed as a result of them taking the van in a very reckless way, knowing there's a real risk of injury."
His heartbroken daughter Catherine said: ''He was married for 50 years and he was looking forward to his birthday the next day.
''While he was working a few times a week he was looking forward to retirement. He was a devoted dad, husband, granddad and a friend to so many.
“The impact on the family has been substantial to a number of generations of the family. ''
At the time of the tragedy Det Supt John Chadwick of Greater Manchester Police said: "James would have been an easy target at 70 years old at the premises with nobody there.
''Instead of celebrating his birthday they are going to have to start planning his funeral. I don't think any of us could put ourselves in that position.''
Updated: 19th December 2016, 11:26 am
Dramatic moment pensioner is rescued after cowering for 17 HOURS in a Somerset cave
Thug sprayed BLEACH into mum's eyes and held pensioner hostage during terror spree
Pensioner, 82, is left lying in garden with head injury for nearly FOUR HOURS waiting for ambulance
A rampaging GOAT tears through streets in Northern Ireland and attacks a pensioner called Billy
Ward's father, Mark Ward Snr, 44, of Heywood was convicted of conspiracy to steal.
Neil Fryman, prosecuting, said: ''These men were not opportunists but part of a very sophisticated and highly organised gang of men - a determined group of professional thieves who were going to steal whatever the risk to anyone in their way.
“Sadly Mr Ray was in their way - it may have been an accident waiting to happen.
"They took the decision to take his van knowing he's either in the van at the back or right next to it. The offenders followed the van into the unit and they watched him for nine minu
tes unloading the detergent one by one.
"If you're taking the van you stand the risk the person will hold onto it and try to protect their goods. They took it and carried on regardless - he's killed as a result of them taking the van in a very reckless way, knowing there's a real risk of injury."
His heartbroken daughter Catherine said: ''He was married for 50 years and he was looking forward to his birthday the next day.
''While he was working a few times a week he was looking forward to retirement. He was a devoted dad, husband, granddad and a friend to so many.
“The impact on the family has been substantial to a number of generations of the family. ''
At the time of the tragedy Det Supt John Chadwick of Greater Manchester Police said: "James would have been an easy target at 70 years old at the premises with nobody there.
''Instead of celebrating his birthday they are going to have to start planning his funeral. I don't think any of us could put ourselves in that position.''