Instead of giving in to robber William Elliot, 75-year-old James Ratcliffe delivered a right hook which put him on the kitchen floor.

His 30-year-old would-be attacker has been jailed for six-and-a-half years after admitting assault with intent to rob, and dangerous driving. He was also banned from driving for five years.

Back home in School Brow, Billinge, retired glassworker Mr Ratcliffe said his main concern was for his bed-ridden wife Barbara who was injured by Elliot's female accomplice. He said: "The girl had gone into the bedroom and pulled the phone out of the wall to stop Barbara from ringing 999 and in the process gashed her on the head with the phone.

"I had been struggling with the guy in the kitchen and he pushed me down, but then I got up and socked him one on the jaw. Just like Ricky Hatton – he's the man, isn't he?

"I then went through to the bedroom and found my wife with her head all bleeding. I began shouting for the police and the pair ran off.

"They had come to my house last November and I'd had to chase them off when they went upstairs.

"I shouldn't have opened the door to them again when they called in January but they just pushed their way in.

"The police said I was too trusting but I have learned my lesson now."
Mr Ratcliffe said: "I wasn't frightened and I don't feel brave. I hit him because I was angry and it was instinct. My main worry was for my wife."

Elliot, of Newtown Road, Carlisle, and his accomplice drove off in his Fiat Brava in two and a half miles of dangerous and erratic driving, Liverpool Crown Court was told.

During the journey he hit another car, forced numerous others to brake and swerve, and drove along the wrong carriageway of the East Lancashire Road towards Liverpool.

An off-duty policewoman followed him and eventually he drove into a cul-de-sac on a housing estate.

The couple fled but returned a few minutes later to the car, containing their dog.

The officer told him he was under arrest but he struggled, hit her in the face and escaped.

He was later tracked down to Carlisle and arrested, said prosecutor Michael Bagley. The woman has not been charged.

Jailing him, Judge William George said: "Mr Ratcliffe had something about him and he behaved with great courage and fortitude in a very difficult situation."

The court heard that at the time of the offence Elliot, of Newtown Road, Carlisle, was on licence from a burglary sentence.

Brian McKenna, defending, said Elliot had started dabbling in drugs after his uncle's death and became addicted to heroin. He has little recollection of the day.

He had not hit either victim and Mr Ratcliffe confirmed to police that Elliot had not struck his wife, he said.