West Yorkshire attack

The family of a great grandmother beaten close to death in a horrific assault by a drug addict have spoken of their shock at the attacker's early release from prison.
Emma Bastow, 89, prided herself on her independence until she was beaten senseless with a heavy poker in her own home by Joanne Lloyd.
Mrs Bastow's daughter Pauline Massey told the YEP of her disgust at being told this week that Lloyd has been freed, six years into a 10-year sentence.

Security has now been stepped up at the West Yorkshire nursing home where Mrs Bastow has been cared for since the attack.

Mrs Massey said: "I can't believe anyone would consider letting her free again for what she did.

"As far as I am concerned she is a monster.

"She has never once said sorry. I have already told the nursing home.
"I would hate for anyone to have to go through what my mum and family have gone through because of her."

The widow was living alone in Sheldrake Avenue, Castleford, when Lloyd, then 23, broke into her home in 2002.

Mrs Bastow's cries were heard by neighbours who found her stumbling, bloodstained and confused, outside her home wearing just her nightdress following the robbery.

Lloyd – described as "truly callous and wicked" by a judge – was sentenced to 10 years behind bars.

An accomplice had forced a window to allow her to get inside where she stole cash, spirits, clothing and chocolates.

Following the attack Mrs Bastow has not been able to cope by herself and has had to move into the nursing home in South Elmsall.

Mrs Massey said the incident had also taken its toll on her own health and she had moved away from the area.

The Probation Service have told her that Lloyd has been freed on licence with conditions not to enter the South Elmsall or Castleford areas.

She added: "She is free after just six years but our lives have been ruined forever.

"Mum used to be so independent but deteriorated immediately after the attack.

"She would always say 'don't let her come back and get me will you?'"
"But now when I go to see her she doesn't know who I am or even recognise her grandchildren any more."

Following the attack Mrs Massey wrote to then Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Home Office about the attack calling for greater justice for crime victims and their families.

In 2004 the YEP reported how, despite her ordeal, Mrs Bastow was offered just £1,800 from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority to compensate her for the nightmare she had endured.

Source - Yorkshire Evening Post