Victim turns singer after hammer attack

A BATTERED victim of a hammer-wielding burglar has turned his life around and is now determined to come out singing.

Ipswich man Ozzy Antonio was left bruised and bloody after a brutal assault by an armed burglar in his home, in London Road.

The 48-year-old was set upon after disturbing an intruder who had entered his home at around 9.45pm on February 2.

He suffered several blows to his head, shoulder and ear and also suffered a broken finger at the hands of the unknown attacker, who is said to be white and in his early 20s.

The white t-shirt worn by Mr Antonio, who hails from London but has lived in Ipswich since he was 12, was left covered in blood from the attack.

Although the scars of the attack are still clearly visible, Mr Antonio is today taking steps to rebuild his life and has made it his goal to utilise his singing talents.

It is since the attack, which still leaves him with shooting pains in his head, that Mr Antonio has set his heart on appearing on ITV's Stars in their Eyes programme.

"Since the attack, I've become more determined to do it," he said.

"I sat down at the hospital when I was waiting for treatment and it was then that I decided to go for it."

He hopes to apply to the popular singing show soon and would like to appear on the television in the summer – emulating the vocal talents of Robbie Williams.

"Lots of people have said I'm good at singing and said I should have a bash on the programme," he said.

He has looked into ways of applying for the show while continuing to exercise his vocal chords at local karaoke sessions four times a week.

Although he specialises in singing Robbie Williams' songs, Mr Antonio said he can sing over 200 different songs.

Anyone with information relating to the burglary on February 2 should contact Dc Kevin McGlinchey at Ipswich police on 01473 383192 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.