BETRAYED AND BROKEN

An elderly retired nurse, brutally attacked in her Norbrook, St Andrew, home by her longtime gardener, has been forced to sell her house – now a haunting reminder of the violent ordeal that has left her living in fear.

The 89-year-old victim, once independent, now requires round-the-clock care and has relocated in an effort to escape the trauma.

Reflecting on the horrifying assault, she admitted that it nearly sent her “to an early grave”.

“This incident has had a tremendous and terrifying impact on my life. It has affected me psychologically, financially, and physically,” she shared in an emotional impact statement read in the Home Circuit Court during the sentencing hearing of her attacker, Roy Simpson, last week.

The retired nurse revealed that the most devastating part of the attack was the betrayal – Simpson had worked for her for over 40 years, and she had treated him like family.

Simpson, who was sentenced on the eve of his 60th birthday, launched the violent attack on April 6, 2020, badly injuring both the elderly woman and her tenant.

Last Wednesday, he was sentenced by Justice Leighton Pusey to seven years and one month for two counts of wounding with intent and two years for indecent assault. The sentences will run concurrently.

The victim recounted how the ordeal began when she resisted Simpson’s attempt to pull down her trousers. What followed was a savage attack that left her with multiple stab wounds and emotional scars she will carry forever. Evidence revealed that she was stabbed multiple times in the chest, right breast, and left arm.

Simpson, a married father of two, provided a different account of what transpired that day.

Through his attorney, Delpharine Golding Jenkins, he claimed that he had “lost it” after the victim insulted him for dropping her dog, which had bitten him. He explained that he hesitated to cut the dog’s nails, as ordered, because the task was outside of his duties and the animal disliked him.

Simpson also alleged that he had endured years of disrespect from his employer, suppressing his resentment while continuing to work for her as a gardener and security guard at her nursing home.

Regarding the indecent assault charge, Simpson admitted that during the struggle, he grabbed the elderly woman by the waist and may have groped her. He expressed regret for his actions.

LOST MEMORIES

The attack has left the retired nurse battling deep-seated fear and anxiety, robbing her of her sense of security, she said.

“As a result of this incident, I have had to sell my home, where I invested so much time, money, and memories – a home that holds so many fun and special moments for me and my family,” she lamented.

The forced sale has caused serious financial hardship for her loved ones, she said.

Despite the pain, she credits her faith and family’s unwavering support for keeping her strong.

The second victim, a 34-year-old communications officer, was wounded after she heard her landlord screaming and rushed to assist. She was attacked by Simpson, she said, and as she tried to flee, she fell and he pounced on her, stabbing her in the chest, breast, and shoulder.

Despite her injuries, the tenant managed to escape, lock herself in her room, and call the police.

The incident has shattered her sense of normalcy, she shared.

“Being alone in the house was terrifying, especially after [Mrs …] had to be removed. Evenings were the hardest. I couldn’t go home alone in the dark and always needed someone to escort me,” she recounted.

The psychological wounds linger, she said.

“A sudden scream or loud noise makes my heart race, and the sight of a knife fills me with fear. On top of it all, I am left with the scars from those stab wounds, a permanent reminder of that horrific day,” she said.

Both victims said that though the attacker has now been sent to prison, the scars – both physical and emotional – will remain for quite some time.

tanesha.mundle@gleanerjm.com