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100-year-old Buster fights off three muggers
Last updated at 14:37pm on 28.02.07
Busted: Despite their best efforts to subdue him, the Second World War veteran launched a counterattack
Britain's oldest employee has told how he single-handedly fought off a gang of muggers.
Buster Martin, 100, a van cleaner for Pimlico Plumbers, was walking to a bus stop in south London when three youths pounced on him from behind.
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Despite their best efforts to subdue him, the Second World War veteran launched a counterattack and sent them running empty-handed.
He said: "They obviously thought I would be an easy touch because I'm old. But they soon found out I'm still a good fighter.
"They just jumped on me and caught me unexpected. But they didn't realise how fast I would turn around on them.
"I was confused and I was lashing out at them. How the helI I found the strength I don't know. I think it came from my temper. I don't lose it often but when I do it's not a pretty sight."
The gang struck at around 10.30pm on Thursday as Mr Martin was leaving the Fox on the Hill pub in Denmark Hill.
Their blows sent him crashing to the floor but he managed to spring back up and defend himself:
"I hit one in the groin and I kicked another one. The foot I used had been operated on a week before for an in-growing toenail. They must have done a good job on it because it worked bloody well."
The muggers eventually gave up and ran off leaving their victim with cuts to his head and bruised ribs.
Mr Martin staggered to nearby King's College Hospital where he was kept in overnight.
He reported for duty at Lambethbased Pimlico Plumbers' the next day but bosses refused to let him work. Managing director-Charlie Mullins said: "It's typical of Buster to carry on as usual. He couldn't see what all the fuss was about. But he needs to take it easy for the moment.
"Had he been a weaker character it might have finished him off but Buster doesn't back down from anything. That's the kind of person he is."
Born in France in 1906, Mr Martin was brought to England when he was three months old and went to an orphanage in Cornwall after his parents died. But he was thrown out at the age of 10 "for eating too much and growing too fast".
He then travelled to London and found work running errands for stallholders at Brixton market. In 1920 he married and joined the Army. After leaving in 1955 he returned to the market.
Mr Martin, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Lambeth Walk, has 17 children and fathered the first at 15.
The man who celebrates his 101st birthday in September said: "As long as I still wake up in the morning, I will continue to work."
Reader views (14)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
I highly doubt that Buster is really 101 years old. Not because of what people say and how he only looks 60-70 years old, but more of the fact that they can't find any proof of his birth. No one knows when his birth date is so this could all be a fraud. Not that I want it to be. I hope this is true, but we need some real proof.
- Andrew Jackson, Vancouver, Canada
I take my hat off to you, sir. What an inspiring example of guts, fitness, and presence of mind. You look far younger than your age. Cheers, mate.
- David Ewing, Cambridge
I take my hat off to you sir.
We would not have these shocking crimes if we voted right wing, liberalism really does "hug a hoodie" and with the tories shifting ever more to the centre under the leadership of "Dave", the only option is to vote BNP.
- Lloyd, Maidstone
Well done Buster your name will live with me for a long long time, you are a credit and we could all learn a lot from you. Your strength of character makes me proud that men like yourself have the ability to look those lowlifes in the face and come back from such adversity and win. I'm sure your army training taught those lowlifes a lesson. You are a credit you really are.
- A.Chapman, Milton Keynes
Well done Buster, you did a great job.
Punishment for juvenile offenders is pathetic. If they are ever caught and convicted they will probably be sent on a vacation.
Liberal socialist politicians have had their own way far too long. It's time for the Conservatives to take control and make sure the courts come down very hard on this type of crime.
- Jeremy Yu, Calgary Canada
What a shame there aren't more men like this.
- Linda, Hertfordshire
This is extremely impressive. God bless this man. I wish everyone had a backbone like him.
- Greg Webber, Clinton,Tn.
What an incredible guy. 100 years and still "doing the right thing." Truly a man to be respected.
- Gene, Texas
It really demonstrates how tough these verminous little scum are; they would never try to mug a couple of squaddies.
Good for Buster but this, Blair, is what you have reduced our streets to!
Sort it out!
- Ken, London
He is very lucky that the police did not charge him with assault.
- Patrick, London
If any of the feckless, work-shy, benefit dependent layabouts roaming the streets of London ever need a true role model on which to base the transformation of their lives, then Buster is your man!
- Steve R, London, UK
This guy is an utter legend. All my respect to him and "Rock on" man!
- Eddy, London
An example to us all, he has 17 children and has worked all of his life to provide for them. Chances are the yobs that tried to mug him came from a welfare state upbringing where they expect everything handed to them free of charge.
- Lloyd, London
If such things go to form... and cynic that I am, I have no doubt that if the muggers choose to complain about the beating they took the police will come 'round and arrest Buster for assault.
- Dai Hunter, London
