A teenager has been branded a danger to the public for an horrific attack on a pensioner.

A court heard how a 73-year-old woman was in bed when she was confronted by a youth wearing a hooded top.

Joseph Brady hit her on the head with a brick and demanded money from her. The pensioner managed to get Brady off her but he threw her on the floor and began dragging her around her bungalow.

She told her attacker her money was in her car in the garage - when they got there the brave pensioner threw her bag at Brady and locked him in the garage, Robert Meikle, prosecuting, told Chelmsford Crown Court.

The court heard the pensioner received four stitches to a head wound as well as treatment for cuts and bruises.

She has now moved from her bungalow in Douglas Road, Clacton.

An impact statement from the woman read out in court said: "I frequently have nightmares when I still see his face over me.

"I used to sleep in the dark but now I have the light on."

Police found cash and a glove with the woman's blood on it when they arrested 19-year-old Brady.

Brady admitted a charge of aggravated burglary. He also asked for 21 theft and burglary matters to be considered.

Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC imposed a sentence for public protection and said Brady must be detained for a minimum of four years before he is considered for parole.

Brady, of Tanner Close, Clacton, will also remain on licence for the rest of his life so if he offends again, he could be returned to prison.

Richard Potts, mitigating, said Brady had drugs and personality problems but he had expressed genuine remorse over what he did. At the time, he had been drinking and was on drugs.

Brady wrote a letter of apology to his victim which had been well received, Mr Potts said.