Navy veteran's death: Man jailed for life

Loving family man Jacques Manlow, 82, was searching through his wallet for a vehicle breakdown card when he was attacked by Raymond Atkins.

The 33-year-old drug addict snatched the wallet from his grasp and pushed the retired hairdresser to the ground, before throwing the wallet back in his lap.

When good samaritan Belinda Bewick came to the aid of the pensioner, Atkins fled the scene.

Father-of-of-five Mr Manlow was left with a fractured hip and died in hospital on June 24 last year, a week after the callous attack in Parkhurst Road.

Atkins, of Albert Road, was unanimously convicted of both robbery and manslaughter by a jury after an 11-day trial at Lewes Crown Court.

After the verdict it was heard he had 36 previous convictions for theft-related offences and four convictions for assault.

Co-defendant Philip Howell, 28, of Rotherfield Avenue, was cleared of both charges.

The court heard the pair had been returning to Atkins' flat after buying heroin when Mr Manlow was set upon.

Jailing Atkins for life and ordering he serve a minimum of five years in jail, Judge Richard Brown told him he had "sunk to the dregs of criminal activity".

He added: "I have no doubt you knew what you were doing when you attacked and knocked to the ground Mr Manlow.

"That not only caused him great suffering and contributed to his death, but it caused absolute devastation amongst his family and friends.

"This, along with your previous convictions, puts you into the category considered as dangerous and someone from whom the public need to be protected.

"In my view there is a significant risk you will commit for unspecified offences."

Judge Brown also praised passer-by Belinda Bewick who intervened in the robbery then cared for Mr Manlow until an ambulance arrived.

Directing she be commended by the High Sheriff of Sussex and be awarded 250, he said: "She showed absolutely no concern for her own welfare."

Both men had denied the charges, Atkins claiming he was an alcoholic and drug addict at the time of the fatal robbery and could not recall the attack.

Howell told the jury how he had grabbed the wallet from Atkins then handed it back to Mr Manlow before trying to help him up.

He said he fled in panic after Mrs Bewick reached the scene and had later argued with Atkins about the attack.