Blind woman lashes out at motorist after path is blocked by broken down vehicle

Sheffield Magistrates’ Court heard on Thursday, November 28, how Janet Bartholomew, 68, of Reasby Avenue, Ravenfield, Rotherham, had her path blocked by a motorist whose Tesla S had broken down and he had been forced to move his vehicle on Braithwell Road, Rotherham, for the AA to repair.

Kirsty Pearson, prosecuting, said: “The defendant is partially-sighted and was walking with a cane towards the vehicle and had to walk into the road to avoid the obstruction and she returned to the pavement to complain.”

The motorist explained the vehicle had broken down and was beng repaired by the AA but an argument ensued, according to Mrs Pearson, and Bartholomew used an umbrella to strike the vehicle damaging the roof.

Mrs Pearson added the motorist took Bartholomew’s umbrella but she struck him in the face with the ball on the end of her cane and she struck the vehicle’s rear window causing it to crack.

The motorist removed the defendant’s cane and she fell, according to Mrs Pearson.

Bartholomew told police she had been angry about being forced to walk in the road and had thought the vehicle had been parked.

She stated she had felt the motorist had been talking over her and she had not intended to hit him.

The defendant pleaded guilty to assault and to causng criminal damage after the incident on October 4.

Mrs Pearson said repairs to the motorist’s car had cost £3,449.86.

Pari Seeley, defending, said: “This is the last lady you would have expected to see in a crimnal court. She has no previous convictions and has never been in contact with the police before. She is registered blind.”

Mrs Seeley added obstructions make life extremely difficult for people with disabilities and when Bartholomew complained she felt the motorist was condescending but she is sorry.

Bartholomew was sentenced to a six month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £3,449.86 in compensation.