A PUB landlord is quitting the business, forced out by memories of a frenzied attack by an intruder who stabbed him eight times with a screwdriver.
As serial burglar Jody Michael Allen was starting a six-year jail sentence, his victim Mike Shepherd is still trying to rebuild his life.
Mr Shepherd, together with his wife, Lynne, is set to leave the George and Dragon in Bury. It has been their home for the last four years, but they are leaving in a bid to escape the daily reminders of the violent, bloody events of December 6, 2002.
At 7am that day, Mr Shepherd was woken by the barks of his two pet Shih-tzu dogs. Putting on his dressing gown, the former soldier went to the landing where, in total darkness, he was confronted by Allen.
Despite the threat of being stabbed, Mr Shepherd struggled with the raider only to be stabbed five times in the head, the blade of the screwdriver narrowly missing his eyes. He was struck three more times in the chest and arms.
Despite his injuries, Mr Shepherd refused to let go of his attacker who eventually wriggled free and jumped out of a first-floor window to escape.
The injured landlord spent two days in Fairfield General Hospital.
Twelve months on, Mr and Mrs Shepherd have little to celebrate despite Allen being put behind bars. The 22-year-old, formerly of Rochdale, was given five-years after pleading guilty at Bolton Crown Court to aggravated burglary and serious assault. He was also given a further 12-month jail term for a burglary at a pub in Edgworth.
Mr and Mrs Shepherd both attended the court hearing and say they were sickened by Allen's reaction to the sentence.
Mr Shepherd said: "Allen was delighted. Everyone, us and the police, expected him to get longer in jail. He has destroyed our lives but he has been let off lightly.
"Allen's punishment does certainly not fit his crimes."
Since the burglary, the couple have both undergone counselling and their marriage has suffered as Mr Shepherd suffers regular flashbacks and panic attacks.
"Our nightmares will not stop, unlike Allen's who will more than likely serve just a few years," said Mrs Shepherd. "Neither Mike nor myself will get over what happened. Mike could have been killed. Allen warned him he would be stabbed if he continued to struggle. That is what happened. He intended to kill my husband but he has got away with that."
Mr Shepherd (52) said: "We have struggled and our marriage has suffered. Our home carries daily reminders of what happened that morning.
"That is why we have decided to leave the pub. I left the fire service after 22 years and this was our chance to keep us going until we retired. We have worked hard to make the pub a success but now that has been ruined.
"Maybe by leaving the pub, we will be able to leave our own personal nightmare behind."
The pub in Rochdale Old Road is now on the market. Once sold, the Shepherds plan to spend time with one of their daughters who lives in France.
Bury Police have welcomed Allen's conviction.
Detective Constable Mick Kennedy of Bury CID said: "Jody Allen was ruthless in his pursuit to steal money from the pubs. He attacked the landlord of the George and Dragon, leaving him with a range of injuries and physical scars.
"I have no doubt that he has left Mr and Mrs Shepherd with mental scars that will take a long time to heal."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article