THE jury has heard closing statements from defence and prosecution barristers during the trial of a man accused of trying to kill 96-year-old D Day veteran Jim Booth.

Joseph Isaacs, 40, of no fixed address, denies attempting to murder Mr Booth at his bungalow in Gipsy Lane, Taunton, but has already pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and seven counts of fraud.

Isaacs appeared at Taunton Crown Court via video link from HMP Long Lartin.

Summing up the arguments for the prosecution, Rachel Drake said the jury’s decision hinged on one question: “What did this defendant intend when he was attacking Mr Booth with that claw hammer?

RELATED: Joseph Isaacs denies attempted murder of Jim Booth

“Mr Isaacs has given evidence that his whole intention was to obtain money as he was living rough in his car. But if that is the case, does that justify what he did?,” Mrs Drake said.

“He went far beyond what was necessary for him to steal money from Mr Booth.

“To get the money he could have threatened Mr Booth and he could have moved out the way. He could have attacked his legs so that Mr Booth fell to the floor. But did it require multiple blows to the head? In my submission, no.”

Somerset County Gazette:

She said that Mr Isaacs testimony that Mr Booth was back on his feet by the time Mr Isaacs left the property was ‘not plausible’ when taken in context with the pool of blood on the floor.

Mrs Drake described Mr Isaacs testimony as ‘a desperate attempt to minimise what he had done’.

Mrs Drake told the jury: “That Mr Booth told you he believed he was going to die gives you an insight into how ferocious the attack must have been.”

Speaking in defence of Joseph Isaacs, Edd Hetherington said there was no denying that Isaacs actions that day were ‘appalling’ but emphasised that the jury had to be sure the intent was to kill.

Somerset County Gazette:

Police at the scene of the attack at Mr Booth's Gipsy Lane home

“Mr Isaacs does not have a history of violence, and Jim Booth was a random stranger to him – in one way that makes his actions more deplorable but it is less likely he would have the desire to kill someone if you do not know that person.

“He hoped the house would be empty, he wanted to commit a burglary with the least possible resistance. He only intended to take the claw hammer to knock through the door.

“When he confronted Mr Booth, he said ‘Money, money, money. I want money’ – that was what was in his mind.

“The level of violence was unnecessary but he has already pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary and the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.”