The sentencing of a robber who attacked a 77-year-old pensioner in his own home has been delayed after he refused to leave his cell.

Luke Stocker is facing a lengthy jail sentence after he attacked frail victim Brian Newton in his home in Buckland, Newton Abbot, and left him with a suspected broken eye socket and extensive bruising.

He took a wallet and satchel during the robbery which contained £120 cash, a bank card and a bus pass and allegedly hit the pensioner with his own walking stick.

Mr Newton was ambushed on his doorstep as he returned from a night out on October 25.

Stocker was due to appear at Exeter Crown Court but refused to leave his cell at the city’s prison because he was worried about losing it and having his property stolen while he was at court.

Stocker, aged 24, of Drake Road, Newton Abbot has admitted robbing Mr Newton. He is expected to have 13 lesser offences taken into account when he is sentenced.

Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, adjourned the case until the new year after hearing that Stocker may have been misled about the effect of coming to court by fellow inmates.

The judge said it was important for Stocker to have a chance to be in court for such a serious case. He said:”This is a very serious sentence of robbery and there will have to be a substantial sentence.”

William Parkhill, mitigating, said Stocker was worried about losing his cell and privileges if he left his cell.

He said he will meet him next week to explain that his fears are unfounded and seek to persuade him to come to court next time.