Man charged with attempted murder in suspected claw hammer attack of D-Day veteran

A man has been charged with aggravated burglary and attempted murder after a D-Day veteran was seriously injured in a suspected claw hammer attack.

Royal Navy veteran Jim Booth, described as a "legend" by his family, was allegedly attacked by 39-year-old Joseph Isaacs at his home in Gipsy Lane in Taunton, Somerset. Avon and Somerset Police said Isaacs was charged in connection with the incident on Sunday (26 November) and will appear at Taunton Deane Magistrates' Court on Monday (27 November).

According to The Independent, Isaacs is accused of posing as a cold caller at Booth's home and asking if any work needed to be done. When the 96-year-old veteran refused, Isaacs allegedly began attacking him.

Booth raised the alarm with a neighbour and was then taken to hospital. The victim, who suffered serious injuries to his head and body, is described as in a "potentially life-threatening" condition, The Independent reported.

Authorities believe a claw hammer was used during the attack. In a statement released through Avon and Somerset Police on Saturday (25 November), Booth's family said he was a "dearly-loved father". The family thanked officers and medical staff, who they said had been "deeply affected" by the incident.

"He is the head of the family, a dearly-loved father to his four children and adored by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, to whom he's simply known as The Legend," the statement said.

"He is, and always has been, our own family hero. Out father is not easily defeated and he grows a little stronger each day."

Booth was awarded a Croix de Guerre military medal by the French for his gallantry during World War Two, The Shropshire Star reported. He joined the Royal Navy as a seaman at the age of 18 and served throughout the war.

Booth climbed into a fold-up canoe on D-Day and shone a beacon out to sea to guide Allied craft to shore.