A MAN who was struck on the head with a roof tile before having his wallet stolen has thanked the emergency services for helping him through his ordeal.

The 71-year-old victim has written a letter to The Standard praising the care and work carried out by police, paramedics and hospital staff.

He was attacked on February 21 as he walked home along Sandy Lane, Chester, after spending the night at the Live Rooms.

Gareth Steven Roberts, 31, of no fixed abode, was jailed for more than five years when he appeared at Chester Crown Court On Monday, March 23, having pleaded guilty to robbery.

Honorary Recorder of Chester Judge Steven Everett told Roberts, who had only received a suspended prison sentence four days before the "truly nasty" attack, that the people of Chester needed "a good long rest" from the likes of him.

In his letter of thanks, the 71-year-old victim – who did not want to be named – said: "The two policemen who found me on Sandy Lane were brilliant. They looked after me, called me an ambulance, accompanied me to hospital and organised notification of my family.

"Something I didn't want them to do, but completely understand that they had no choice, and they couldn't have done it more delicately and with greater understanding.

"The paramedic on the ambulance was just great, took care of my immediate medical needs and kept me comforted on the way to the hospital.

"The A&E staff were lovely, so caring, very thorough and just wonderful the way they treated my wounds and took care of my general wellbeing.

"The next day, the doctor who stitched me up in the maxillofacial department was skilful in the extreme and did a great job under very difficult circumstances.

"The two detectives who came to take my statement put me at my ease, were so easy to talk to and so professional in their work. I know it was their efforts that led to the early arrest, the remand in custody and the conviction of the offender.

"So, to sum up, this letter is just a great big thank you to all concerned. I haven't named any names, because I don't know them all and I wouldn't want to leave anyone out.

"But you all know who you are. We live in very difficult times but they would be much more difficult without these people on our side."