text: The disabled pensioner who received donations from around the world after being beaten by a drug addict outside his home has got the keys to a new house. Alan Barnes, who is partially sighted and just 4ft 6in tall, was left too scared to return to his home in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear earlier this year after he was knocked to the ground by mugger Richard Gatiss. The crime shocked Britain and led to a fund being set up by local beautician Katie Cutler, 21, which raised £330,000. Mr Barnes, 67, was today handed the keys to his new two-bedroom terrace house where he says he will feel safer. Disabled pensioner Alan Barnes picked up the keys for his new home today after strangers raised £300,000 . Mr Barnes said it felt 'fantastic' to be in his new home as he showed off its modern kitchen . The 67-year-old said that he felt safer in the two-bedroom terraced property which he was able to buy after receiving donations from around the world . 'It's fantastic to finally be in the house after all this time,' he said. 'I was living a bit further up the hill before but this house is better and more handy when I need to go the Co-op and the shops. 'I haven't shown Katie the house yet but I'm looking forward to telling her about it. 'It's lovely to have my independence back. I'm looking forward to seeing the locals again and having a chat with them.' The £150,000 property boasts two bedrooms, a spacious living room, modern kitchen and large bathroom. It also has an outside barbecue area for entertaining and is just a short walk from the local shops of his native Low Fell, Gateshead. Mr Barnes now plans to use the remainder of the donated money to furnish his new home. The Victorian terrace is a far cry from his previous address, a sparse one-bed bungalow with no garden. Mr Barnes said that it was 'lovely to get his independence back' after picking up the keys to his new home . Mr Barnes said he was 'looking forward' to telling beautician Katie Cutler, who launched the fund, all about his new home . Mr Barnes said he was 'grateful' to everyone who helped him get the property, including Miss Cutler, pictured . 'I'm about 15 minutes away from my other house but it's down lots of different streets and turns as well,' said the pensioner. 'I think I'll go for a walk tonight round the area and get my bearings again. 'I've had a couple of visitors and my sister brought me over today, to help me move in. It has been a busy day. 'I'm very grateful still to everyone who helped me get this house, especially Katie. 'I'm glad I've put the money to good use. 'I haven't spent it all in case I need some extra to refurbish the house.' Mr Barnes, who was born with disabilities after his mother contracted German measles while she was pregnant, had previously told of his plans to move near Ms Cutler. He wanted to make sure the pair, who have become close friends since the incident, could stay in touch. Richard Gatiss, 25, was jailed for four years at Newcastle Crown Court for targeting Mr Barnes . 'I considered where Katie lives but after thinking about it there's two reasons I haven't,' he said. 'One was I would've had to depend on my family to do things and I didn't know if Katie would be moving somewhere else so I thought just take this option and go to Low Fell.' He also revealed dreams of going on a break to Barbados. Earlier this month Richard Gatiss, 25, was jailed for four years at Newcastle Crown Court for targeting Mr Barnes to fund his addiction. During the attack in January, Gatiss crept up on Mr Barnes in a dark alley while the pensioner was putting his bin out. When he was arrested they found his DNA on his 67-year-old victim. Gatiss told police he was so desperate for drug money he would have 'targeted anyone'.
target: Alan Barnes, who is partially sighted and just 4ft 6in, picked up keys today .
  Violent attack left the 67-year-old scared to return to his former home .
  The crime shocked Britain and £300,000 was raised by fund to help him .
  Said his new home was 'fantastic' and it was 'lovely' to have his independence back .