Teenager dodges prison despite admitting sickening attack on 93-year-old Eva
Date published: 26 September 2018
Picture courtesy of Google Street View
A teenager has walked free from court despite admitting leaving a grandmother “living in fear” after attacking her simply for her handbag.
The 17-year old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, attacked 93-year old Eva Jones while she was waiting for a bus on Turf Lane in Chadderton back in August, as he tried to steal her handbag.
As a result of the assault Mrs Jones was thrown to the floor and banged her head on the pavement, leaving her with head injuries, left to live in fear and thinking that she could die as a result of her injuries.
However, appearing at Tameside Youth Court, the college student was spared jail - instead he was handed a 10-month referral order and told to pay Mrs Jones £500 in compensation.
The referral order means the 17-year old will have to attend regular meetings with the Youth Offending Team and must sign a contract promising not to reoffend.
He’ll also have to pay Mrs Jones £500 in compensation, which he’ll do so in £10 a week instalments taken from his £25 a week pocket money.
In an victim impact statement, Mrs Jones told the court: “Why at our age should we live in fear of being attacked in our neighbourhood?
“Why should we have to feel suspicious about every stranger at a bus stop or in the post office?
“They could have killed me when they pushed me over – all for a handbag.”
Following the attack, on August 16, Mrs Jones, who has 11 grandchildren, was left with extensive bruising to her arms, legs and back and suffered from constant headaches, persistent neck pain and flashbacks.
In a letter of apology to Mrs Jones the 17-year old said: “A million excuses cannot justify what I did to you that day.
“I want you and your family to know that I am truly sorry for the pain I have caused.”
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