Share

Road-rage driver hit woman, 81

LONDON, England - An elderly woman was badly injured when she was hit in her face by a strapping 30-year-old male driver because she was driving too slowly.

Patricia Pearson, 81, was attacked on her way to visit her husband at a care home. Her injuries included a swollen lip, lumps on her forehead and a cut cheek - and it could have been worse had a passer-by not stood up for her.

Usman Yasin, 30, was warned he could be jailed, the London Daily Mail reported, after magistrates heard how he became increasingly frustrated as he drove behind Pearson in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, on June 17. As the road widened he darted past the aged woman's car and stopped.

BYSTANDER TO RESCUE

She got out of her car and approached Yasin’s green Peugeot 206 to asked what he was doing. He unleashed a barrage of foul-mouthed abuse, Burton magistrates’ court heard, and Pearson stretched out a hand to quiet him but he swung an arm and hit her across the face before getting out of his car to continue the attack.

The attack was stopped by bystander David Smith.

Frederick Powell, prosecuting, said: "Any remorse he says he has shown is crocodile tears. Had it not been for Smith getting in the way he would have gone after her again."
 
Yasin said he acted in self-defence, that Pearson struck the first blow. He admitted striking her with the back of his hand but denied further accusations of assault. He said her injuries were a lot worse because of her age.

Pearson, however, said Yasin pushed and shook her.

The case was adjourned until October 10 for a pre-sentencing report.
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE