Mugging victim Alan Barnes 'called by God' to Shetland

A disabled mugging victim whose plight attracted national sympathy is leaving the home bought through a fundraising campaign due to a "calling from God".

Alan Barnes, 67, was afraid to return to his old home in Gateshead after he was attacked outside it in January.

An online campaign was set up by beautician Katie Cutler and raised £330,135 in less than a week.

Mr Barnes now says he wants to work for the church and move to the Shetland Isles and his new house is up for sale.

He said: "I am a Christian and I am open to the Holy Spirit.

"I have had a calling from God to move to the Shetlands."

He said his role, which would be voluntary, would not be to try to persuade people go to church, but to talk to them about his faith.

He said he planned to rent a property in the Shetland Islands.

Mr Barnes, who is 4ft 6in tall, frail, and visually impaired, had his collarbone broken when he was knocked to the ground by mugger Richard Gatiss.

Gatiss was later jailed for four years after admitting to assault with intent to rob.