Man hit MS sufferer nine times with a hammer and stole his bank cards

After effects: Victim needs 24-hour care following assault.© STV

A man left his disabled uncle needing round-the-clock care after striking him nine times with a hammer and stealing his bank cards.

Franklin Dorans was jailed for six years and three months at the High Court in Glasgow on Tuesday for the attack.

Judge Lord Bannatyne told the 33-year-old: "You are a material danger to the public."

He ordered Dorans to be monitored in the community for two years and nine months after his release from prison.

Lord Bannatyne added: "You used a vicious weapon and caused serious injuries and a very significant effect on the standard of life of your victim."

The court heard that Dorans assaulted his uncle Brain Rogers - who suffers from multiple sclerosis - after the 49-year-old refused Dorans entry to his home in Linwood, Renfrewshire in January 2012.

The court heard how Dorans confessed to the assault during a manhunt to catch the culprit but police initially took "no action". It was only when forensic evidence linked him to the crime days later that he was finally detained.

Dorans, who has a history of violence, admitted attacking Mr Rogers to the danger of his life.

Mr Rogers was at his home in Erskinefauld Road, on January 27 when he heard a knock at the door. He answered to Dorans, who demanded money and asked to get into the flat.

Mr Rogers - who used a zimmer frame to help him walk - refused and it was at this point that his nephew produced a hammer and struck his uncle nine times, knocking him unconscious. Dorans took his uncle's bank cards and keys before fleeing.

Mr Rogers' carers found him lying on the floor of his flat. He had suffered several fractures to his skull as well as a broken wrist and thumb. Police initially spoke to Dorans the day after the attack and his trainers and clothes were taken to be forensically examined.

He initially denied being involved but, while at a medical centre in London on February 3, told staff he thought he had "killed" Mr Rogers. He added he had hit the victim over the head with a hammer.

The court heard, however, that police took "no action" at that time and allowed Dorans to go. Detectives were informed days later that Mr Rogers's blood was found on the items seized from his nephew.

It was then discovered he had stolen £300 from Mr Rogers's bank account and bought £57 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.

Defence counsel Louise Arrol said that Dorans, who has a psycho-affective disorder, is remorseful. She added: "Although the victim was his uncle, his mother continues to support Mr Dorans and is here in court today."

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