Man who bashed war veteran jailed for eight years

Eric Brady after the attack. Photo / Supplied

The man who bashed elderly war veteran Eric Brady was sentenced to eight years and 10 months in jail at the Manukau District Court today.

Mr Brady was bashed outside the Papatoetoe RSA on February 18 this year.

The 85-year-old was badly injured in the attack suffering a jaw broken in at least two places. He also suffered very bruising about his face after the attack.

Maurangi Pere, 19, committed the attacks when he was 18-years-old.

He was also sentenced today on a raft of previous charges including aggravated robbery, burglary and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, which were committed early this year and late last year.

Judge Charles Blackie said Pere had picked on a vulnerable victim.

"He went to fight the war to protect people like you, so that we didn't grow up and live a life under the jack boot," Judge Blackie said.