Police are investigating a report that a 75-year-old Parkinson’s sufferer was punched in the face repeatedly by another man in the communal gardens of Alexandra Homes in Margate.
Grandad Victor Champs, who was an RNLI Margate crewman for 35 years, says he was sat in the garden on Tuesday (August 11) when he was punched in the face, falling back in his chair to the ground, and then punched again.
Dad-of-three and stepdad-of-one Victor, who is recovering from lung cancer, was left with a cut and swollen face – meaning he is unable to wear a mask for ventilation at night which is necessary for COPD and sleep apnoea.
Victor said: “I was talking to another friend when this chap shouted at me, punched me in the face, pushed me back in my chair and then started punching me again. I couldn’t do anything because I was on the ground.”
Victor attended hospital for his injuries and has been driven out of his home of 20 years because of the incident.
He is currently staying with his partner in Ciftonville.
The former doorman and delivery company worker says he is upset that wardens from the alms house site have not assisted him.
Alexandra Homes offers independent living for elderly people in flats and cottages with an alarm service and wardens. Victor has previously worked for the homes as a gardener and maintenance man as well as living n the site.
He said: “I am so annoyed that nothing is being done and nobody seems to want to know about it. I can’t wear my oxygen mask because my face is so sore and I am now staying at my partner’s flat to get away from it all but no-one seems interested. I have been on to the police and to the wardens. If being punched in the face when you are 75 and getting over cancer isn’t a crime I don’t know what is.”
Victor, who admits there had been past disagreement with the other man, says he has only got through thanks to the care of his partner and his family.
Granddaughter Sophie Champs said: “Grandad’s worked with the RNLI helping others but the one time he needs someone to help him after an unprovoked attack no one seems to be there for him.”
Son Lee Allen added: “It is not good enough in this day and age that this can happen to an OAP and no one wants to know.”
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “Kent Police is investigating an assault that took place at a residence in Tivoli Road, Margate at around 4.45pm on August 11. A man, in his 70s, reported being punched by another man.
“Enquiries regarding the circumstances of this incident remain ongoing.”
Trustees at Alexandra Homes are aware of the incident and will be discussing the circumstances.
A statement from the Board of Management, Alexandra Homes Almshouse Charity, says: “The Alexandra Homes is a small independent almshouse charity set up in 1865 to provide affordable housing to the elderly residents of Margate. We own 33 flats and cottages.
“Appointments are made based on strict criteria of entry and residents all live independently. We are not a residential home
nor care home. The charity is managed by a Board of Trustees.
“The Trustees are aware that an incident took place between two residents on August 11 and have interviewed both residents and all eye-witnesses. The Trustees will now fully discuss the facts presented.”
How awful I’ve known Vic for years he doesn’t deserve to be treated like that. The other man needs wardens prison wardens.
How disgusting.
The man who did this should be given notice to move out.
Absolutely disgraceful! The police in Thanet dont seem to do much. This was a vile attack on a poorly senior citizen…vile. I sincerely wish him better and hope he gets a result regarding his perpetrator.
Absolutely disgusting
This is absolutely disgusting that the vulnerable are being attacked like this. What is happening to this country.
The man who assaulted him needs arresting !! Horrendous behaviour there would be something said if it had been youths .
Past disagreement , we all have them at some point in our lives and get over them. I assume the prat that punched him has a mental health problem and should be put in a secure place.
Name and shame the guy
Quite agree
Get better soon Victor
Sorry to hear you were attacked
Lawlessness, and anti-social behaviour is now becoming common, probably because there are no police visible on the streets anymore! Mass brawls on Broadstairs beach, including with young women joining in, and not keeping to the social distancing rules, or wearing masks!
This country is getting closer to Nazi Germany everyday.
As a floating voter the key reason I will not vote conservative is because they are an avowedly low tax party, and if you want policemen, firemen and NHS workers paying taxes is how you do it. What pitifully few policeman we have are way too stretched. I feel for the poor man.
Am disgusted. It shows how bad it is. More POLICE. SHAME on both our MPs
Shame on the Alexandra homes for not responding when he pressed the emergency button
Disgusted guy should be prosecuted