Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
Clarification: I'm from the USA with no background in law or law enforcement.
It's telling to me that most respondents give the feel that this is more of a crime because the victim is 80. To me everyone has value and that starts out more or less equal. When you start extorting money and beating people your value drops, quickly. If this guy should be hanged for assaulting and 80 year old, then he should be hanged for assaulting a 20 year old. Citizens who abide by their nations laws should get equal protection. That said, maybe we need stiffer punishments. I liked the suggestion that he has to work and contribute his money to the victim to replace the shake down money, how about we include the medical bills as well.