Disabled woman drives scooter over robber's foot

Dec 11 2009 by Eric McGowan, Irvine Herald

A DISABLED woman told a violent would-be robber to hop it – by driving her mobility scooter over his foot.

The plucky 56-year-old put the buggy into top gear after the yob and a pal jumped in front of it and tried to grab her purse.

She was punched as she whizzed past him but did not require medical treatment.

Police, who are appealing for witnesses, say the incident took place under the railway bridge at Irvine station at around 6pm on Tuesday, December 1.

Detective Constable Robert McCormack, of Saltcoats CID, said: “This was a particularly cowardly attack.”

The woman was travelling along the footpath when the men grabbed the front of her scooter, preventing her from moving forward. They then demanded money..

DI McCormack added: “They tried to steal her purse from her handbag when she refused to give them any.

“The woman escaped after driving over the foot of the man who had a grip on the scooter.

“The man punched the woman as she accelerated away, but thankfully she wasn't injured.”

The first male suspect was described as white, aged 16 to 20, between five foot 10 inches and 6 foot tall, thin with a spotty complexion.

He had dark brown hair, spoke with a local accent and was wearing a navy hooded top, jeans and white trainers.

The second male suspect was described as white, aged 16 to 20, five foot four inches tall with gelled, light brown hair. He was wearing a white jacket.

• Police on Tuesday said a 22-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. He is expected to appear at court this week.