A 42 year old man has been sentenced to 48 years in jail for what the local authorities are calling the most brutal attack on a senior citizen he has ever seen.

The assailant, from Jefferson County, was found guilty several months ago on charges of first degree murder, assault and robbery of a 76 year old woman. The case prosecutor said he tried to steal money from the victim, who worked at the casino bus stop, to make up for his gambling losses in the casino.

The man, a casino employee, admitted to the police that he kicked and punched the woman in the face after robbing about 100 dollars from her because he was desperate to replace his losses after gambling away his entire paycheck.

The woman was nearly beaten to death, her face and teeth were shattered, and she suffered some brain damage, and had to undergo several surgeries for her smashed jaw. She has also suffered some permanent loss of sight.

The 76 year old survived her attack and testified in court against her assailment at his sentencing. The District Attorney said her courage to face this scum again to put him away was an inspiration.

The man will be 78 years old before he is eligible for parole in 2039.