Burglar admits attempted murder of Brierley Hill security guard, 73, after brutal shovel attack

CCTV footage at Stoke Forgings in Brierley Hill showed Lee Parsons raining blows on 73-year-old with a shovel as he lay defenceless on the ground.

Parsons kept up the savage attack for almost 20 minutes, kicking his victim in the head and stomach and leaving a trail of blood as he tried to drag him into an office. The 44-year-old was also seen going through the victim's pockets as he held him down.

The footage was played to Wolverhampton Crown Court after Parsons initially denied the charge of attempted murder. After the images were played, he changed his plea to guilty.

The tape showed the victim challenge Parsons and pick up a stick to defend himself after his assailant punched him in the face, knocking him backwards.

The two men initially sparred with sticks until the defendant picked up a shovel and battered Mr Mattu until he fell on the ground. The victim, who kept trying to get to his feet, suffered serious head injuries and was in a critical condition in hospital for several days.

The assault at the Vine Street metal factory on Sunday, March 19, shocked workers who discovered their colleague when they arrived at 7pm for the night shift. He had lain there for almost six hours.

Parsons was arrested two days later in the Holly Hall area of Dudley.

Mr Hugh O'Brien Quinn, prosecuting, told the court that the victim recovered sufficiently to make a statement to the police about what happened.

However he needed full-time care, could walk only with the aid of a zimmer frame and was on 27 tablets a day for his injuries.

He was commended by Judge James Burbidge for his 'remarkable resilience and bravery'.

Addressing Parsons, the judge said: "You had the good sense to accept responsibility for this grave crime.

"The CCTV footage speaks louder than any words in reality. You were in the act of a burglary and you used violent and unnecessary force.

"You could have walked away even after throwing one punch. You would have got a modest sentence but clearly you're going to go to prison for a very long time."

Parsons, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and burglary. He was remanded in custody until July 3 when he will be sentenced.

A probation report and risk assessment on his danger to the public were ordered.