A Burglary victim who feared for his life has spoken of the evil torment he has suffered in recent weeks.

The disabled 45-year-old was attacked in his home in Moss Close, Pitsea, on Monday night by two men who broke in, threw a sheet over his head and held a razor-sharp knife to his neck, before demanding cash.

Andy - the name is changed because he fears more intimidation - suffered a stroke four years ago and is virtually house-bound.

His partner of 26 years, Steve, died just six weeks ago after heart failure. Since then, Andy has endured tortuous and hateful phone calls jibing his partner's death.

He said: "I've had someone phoning up saying 'good job he's dead', 'he's dead now - good', and 'at last he's six feet under'. It's the same voice everytime. I ask who it is and they slam the phone down."

Andy was sitting in his kitchen, watching TV when the two thugs struck. Police believe they jemmied open his front door, which was usually double-locked.

A sheet was thrown over him and he was forced to the ground by one of the men.

Andy said: "One of them shouted 'give us your money'. Another put a knife to my throat and the first one said: 'give us your money or we'll kill you'.

A police source has revealed Andy has been the victim of hate crimes many times in the past, including one assault which left him with a broken nose, severe bruising and deep cuts to his face, arms, hands and chest. The attack, in July 2001, was rated as a "serious hate crime" by officers but the culprit was never apprehended.

Anyone with information about the burglary should contact police on 01268 532212.

Published Thursday, January 16, 2003

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