A SENIOR police officer has praised a judge after a champion boxer was sent to prison following a brutal pub robbery that left the landlord fighting for his life. Albert Bibby, 22, was sent to prison for almost five years after pleading guilty to attackin

A SENIOR police officer has praised a judge after a champion boxer was sent to prison following a brutal pub robbery that left the landlord fighting for his life.

Albert Bibby, 22, was sent to prison for almost five years after pleading guilty to attacking the landlord of the Rose and Crown in Sandy with a metal bar and stealing just £40.

The judge warned him he could not apply for parole until he had served at least five years, less 152 days. He was told he would not automatically be released even then.

After Bibby, of St Swithuns Way, Sandy, was sentenced, Insp John Maries the commander at Biggleswade police station that covers Sandy, said: "This sentence sends out a loud and clear message to other people who are going to commit the same kind of offences.

"This was an extremely serious offence and the punishment certainly fits the crime."

Luton Crown Court heard that pub landlord Clive Revetta, 55, arrived in hospital after the attack on January 7 this year believing his head injuries were life-threatening.

He later needed surgery to sew back part of his ear and scalp and had an operation on a broken leg.

The court had heard that Bibby, who had been a rising star in the boxing world and won a silver medal in a four nations tournament and was aiming to be selected for the England Olympic squad, was at the time of the attack on licence from a previous sentence for street robberies.

Sally Hobson, prosecuting, told the court that Albert, a member of Sandy ABC, and his brother Nathan, 19, also of St Swithuns Way, had been drinking in the pub on the afternoon of the attack.

Albert then left the pub and went home where he changed clothes and returned armed with a metal bar or wrench and a balaclava.

"He burst in the door, jumped over the bar and straight away attacked the landlord who was hit over the head and when on the floor the attack continued," said Sally Hobson.

"At first it was thought his injuries were life threatening. He was in hospital 11 days and his leg was in plaster for eight weeks.

"The pub had to close and then opened at weekends only causing financial loss to Mr Revatta."

Nathan denied assisting an offender but was convicted by a jury. He had been in the pub but said he was unaware of what his brother was about to do, said Judge Terence Mather. But he helped by barring access to the pub and running off with his brother.

Sentencing Albert, Judge Mather told him: "This was a brutal and savage attack with a weapon less than four weeks after your release from custody. I have concluded you are a dangerous offender."

In a statement read to the court the victim said: "No one had the right to treat me this way. I hope he gets what he deserves."

Sue Piyadasa, defending Albert, said: "This was not a personal vendetta. The only motive was financial gain. His girlfriend is now eight months pregnant with his child."

Urging the court not to pass an indefinite sentence, she added: "He still hopes to return to boxing and settle down with his family.