Franklin Dorans admits hammer attack on Brian Rodgers in Linwood
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Version 0 of 1. A man has admitted battering his uncle with a hammer after being refused entry to his home in Renfrewshire. Franklin Dorans, 33, attacked 49-year-old Brian Rodgers at his flat in Linwood in January. The High Court in Glasgow heard that the victim, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, now requires round-the-clock care following the incident. Dorans, who admitted assaulting Mr Rodgers to the danger of his life, will be sentenced next month. The court heard how the victim, who used a frame to walk, was at home on 27 January when he heard a knock at the door. Knocked unconscious When Mr Rodgers answered, Dorans demanded money and access to the flat. Mr Rogers refused and it was then his nephew produced a hammer and struck him nine times. The 49-year-old was knocked unconscious before Dorans fled with his bank cards and keys. Mr Rogers' carers visited him that afternoon and were concerned when they could not get a reply. Police were called and they forced entry to the property allowing Mr Rogers to be rushed to hospital. He was found to have several fractures to his skull as well as a broken wrist and thumb. Police initially spoke to Dorans, from Linwood, the day after the attack and his trainers and clothes were taken to be forensically examined. However, he denied being involved or having visited his uncle. No action On 3 February - having travelled to England - Dorans told staff at a medical centre in Peckham, London, he thought he had "killed" Mr Rogers. He added he had hit the victim over the head with a hammer. The court heard that police took no action at that time. Police were informed days later that Mr Rogers blood was found on the items seized from his nephew. Dorans was finally arrested after he was found to be in a hospital back in Scotland. It was also discovered he had stolen £300 from Mr Rogers' bank account and bought £57 worth of goods from a local Co-Op store after the attack. The court was told Mr Rogers now needs 24-hour help having previously been able to carry out some domestic tasks on his own. He is currently in a brain rehabilitation unit in Ayrshire but will soon be cared for by the Richmond Fellowship charity. |