Man admits attacking Swanwick pensioner and setting his home alight

A 45-year-old has admitted attacking a man in his 70s at the victim’s own Derbyshire home and setting the property alight. Rostislav Godla pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm when he appeared at Derby Crown Court on Friday, November 22.

He also admitted charges of arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered, robbery, false imprisonment and two counts of fraud. Derbyshire police were called to a property in Gordon Road, Swanwick, following reports of an assault and a fire at about 12.10pm on Saturday, June 8.

Godla, of no fixed address, was originally charged with attempted murder but the hearing was told how the prosecution was prepared to accept a guilty plea to the lesser charge of wounding. Judge Shaun Smith KC remanded the defendant into custody so that a psychological assessment can be done on him ahead of the inevitable prison term.

He adjourned the sentence to a date to be confirmed.