A PENSIONER left fighting for life after confronting a youth for vandalising a car has died of his injuries, police have confirmed.
Anthony Jacob, 75, had every bone in his face broken after being attacked outside his home in Weymouth, Dorset.
He went into cardiac arrest before being airlifted to Southampton General Hospital where he was placed in an induced coma in intensive care.
But his injuries were not survivable and he died on Thursday, nine days after the assault.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Jacob.
Pal Paula Hartley wrote: “Thoughts are with the family. He was a skilled tradesman who we had the pleasure of knowing for many years. Absolutely tragic.”
Laura Kennedy said: “Thoughts to Jake’s family and friends he was a lovely bloke.”
A 19-year-old man had already been charged with attempting to murder Mr Jacob.
Jake Saunders is also charged with three counts of assaulting an emergency worker, including an ambulance paramedic, and two counts of criminal damage to a Volkswagen Golf.
He has been remanded into custody and is next due to appear in court on January 9.
The investigation has now been taken on by Dorset Police‘s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third said: “Following the sad death of Anthony Jacob, detectives from MCIT have now taken on this investigation.
“Specially trained officers are supporting the family during this difficult time.
“We are grateful to members of the public who have provided information to assist our enquiries so far, and I am continuing to appeal for any witnesses who have not already spoken to police to please make contact with us.”
The incident happened on Abbotsbury Road in Weymouth at 8.12pm on December 10.
