Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Was attacked by a stranger a few hours ago, Waiting for the police

208 replies

verylongshot · 27/12/2023 19:03

I was with my disabled mum and my nan earlier in a supermarket, She had parked in a disabled parking space. We did a small shop then returned to the car and put two bags into the boot, A man in a waiting car shouted to ask if I was 'going to fucking be all night' I got in the car and Mum held her blue badge up to show him then reversed and went to drive away when we heard what sounded like rocks being thrown at the car, Still not sure what it was but he threw something from his car which hit my mums.

Mum stopped the car to check what happened and as soon as she stopped the guy got out of his car opened the back passenger door of my mums car and snatched my phone out of my hands and threw it across the carpark, It smashed into bits. He then grabbed my elbow and dragged me out of the car onto my knees. He then called my mum (trigger warning for the words he used) a spastic cunt and walked back to his car as I got back into my mums and she tried to drive away.

To get out we genuinely had to drive by him and the guy ran back up to the car asking why we were going back around near his family, he then looked at me and asked if I wanted some more.

Was going to report it to the supermarket security but felt so intimidated that we just left. I did call them to let them know what had happened and they said if the police contact them they can send the cctv. Once we got to my nans house my nan, who had been sat in the front with my mum told me she got my mums phone and managed to record the entire thing from him running up to the car and opening the door to us trying to leave the carpark and him coming back etc.

I know this isnt the thing to be focusing on but I saved up for two years for that phone and only had it two weeks, Didn't even manage to get to my next payday on the 3rd to get it insured, I wasn't even filming him was just holding my phone.

What is likely to happen from here once the police have been?

OP posts:
BlazingJune · 27/12/2023 21:00

Your Mum needs to report it. It's her car, she's got the blue badge and she was driving.

Beautiful3 · 27/12/2023 21:02

I'd call the police and explain you've been assaulted. You have filled evidence. They might not visit you until tomorrow, but it's worth reporting. He may be already on a suspended sentence for assault. Which means he'll go to prison for committing futher offences.

Papergirl1968 · 27/12/2023 21:04

BlazingJune · 27/12/2023 21:00

Your Mum needs to report it. It's her car, she's got the blue badge and she was driving.

No, the Op is the victim. Her DM and DGM are witnesses.
Actually, I suppose her DM was a victim too, but the Op is the main victim.

sassyduck · 27/12/2023 21:06

I hope they catch him. Your Nan is brilliant

MILTOBE · 27/12/2023 21:09

Your Nan is amazing! What a horrible man - I can't imagine what he's like in private if he'll do that in public. I hope the police do get involved.

Dotjones · 27/12/2023 21:10

I think the guy was out of order to behave the way he did, hopefully the police can take action against him, at the very least it sounds like assault and criminal damage plus the "spastic cunt" probably makes it a hate crime so the police are meant to take it seriously. If you're in the UK you can demand a copy of the CCTV the supermarket has of you, they would have to blur the other parties out before providing it to you but that way they'll have the incident "tee'd up" if the police contact them.

KenAdams · 27/12/2023 21:13

This is disgusting. Did no one else try and help you?

Namerequired · 27/12/2023 21:13

I really hope they get them and something is done. Horrific

BreakfastAtMilliways · 27/12/2023 21:13

I would be extremely surprised if this character is not already known to the police. My DH once reported a motorist who ran a red light and gave him some verbal when DH was on his bike. The police were all ‘oh yeah, him again…’ and the guy got a fine and some points.

LittleMissSleepyUK · 27/12/2023 21:13

Jeez. I bet they didn’t even have to park in the disabled bay.

Hope you’re all ok

BlazingJune · 27/12/2023 21:19

Papergirl1968 · 27/12/2023 21:04

No, the Op is the victim. Her DM and DGM are witnesses.
Actually, I suppose her DM was a victim too, but the Op is the main victim.

Show quote history

But he threw something at her mum's car- malicious damage?
They are ALL victims in a different way.

Road rage doesn't have to include physical injury. It can be verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, etc.

My opinion is that as her mum is disabled the police may show more urgency in pursuing this if she reports it.

Plumful · 27/12/2023 21:19

Oh my god this is horrific!

Iamnotalemming · 27/12/2023 21:21

Well done your nan, OP. I'd make sure you have a copy of the video, don't let the police have the only one in case it gets mislaid.

Because of the language he used, it will be considered an aggregated assault.

Once you're reported it, be prepared for it to take some time before you get an update. The wheels of justice turn slowly these days.

Take care of yourself and your Mum and Nan. It may take you some time to get over such an unprovoked attack. 💐

Sugarsun · 27/12/2023 21:22

What a horrible experience!

He will absolutely be arrested and charged if they can get his number plate and find out where he lives.

He should also have to pay back the damages he’s caused like breaking your phone.

Did you pick the phone back up?

givemethetea · 27/12/2023 21:27

@BlazingJune is that your opinion of how it should be or is that knowledge of offences and how the system works?

ALongHardWinter · 27/12/2023 21:30

How awful. I really hope the police take this seriously. Well done to your nan!

Kindlethefourth · 27/12/2023 21:32

The likely scenarios are-Criminal damage for the phone. A Public order offence for the comment towards mum (there is no specific charge for a disability hate crime but any sentence would be eligible to be uplifted because of the hate crime element) and depending on injuries a minimum of a common assault upon you. It would only be GBH if you had suffered a really serious injury such as a fracture. Bruising, swelling and the act of being grabbed are more likely to be common assault. And once reported the victim doesn't decide whether or not to 'press charges'-a decision for police and/or CPS. Please report it, disability hate crime goes on more often than reports suggest and it should be taken extremely seriously. Also, had the car been checked for damage in the daylight-post doesn't say so checks should be made ASAP to avoid him saying damage caused after the altercation if he is charged. Supermarket should give up cctv to police but they need to ask for it quickly as often only retained for a short period of time. Sorry you have had to go through this and please don't underestimate the shock of this event. Photograph anything relevant too and be kind to yourself and your family in the next few days xx

BlazingJune · 27/12/2023 21:32

@givemethetea

I still think as the car owner, using the disabled space, her mum should report it because he was attacking a disabled driver first and foremost.

If you disagree, fine.

Kindlethefourth · 27/12/2023 21:34

Balancing June it matters not who reports it. Police obliged to carry out reasonable lines of enquiry which would include interviewing key witnesses

givemethetea · 27/12/2023 21:35

BlazingJune · 27/12/2023 21:32

@givemethetea

I still think as the car owner, using the disabled space, her mum should report it because he was attacking a disabled driver first and foremost.

If you disagree, fine.

😂 I was asking you a genuine question, you're giving advice to the OP so I was wondering if it's your opinion or if you actually have knowledge of what you're advising!

dogvcat · 27/12/2023 21:35

givemethetea · 27/12/2023 19:30

Also, if he does get interviewed for the offence and he admits it, depending on his history they could give him a conditional caution with the condition that he buys you a like for like phone! The caution would also go on his record

You seriously think a conditional caution, and buying the OP a new phone, is a suitable punishment for what he did?

BlazingJune · 27/12/2023 21:38

givemethetea · 27/12/2023 21:35

😂 I was asking you a genuine question, you're giving advice to the OP so I was wondering if it's your opinion or if you actually have knowledge of what you're advising!

Show quote history

Isn't everyone on this thread offering an opinion? Or a suggestion?

That's what MN is!

Howbizzare22 · 27/12/2023 21:40

Where to start!! First of all I’m so so sorry you three had to go through such a horrifying ordeal!! I hope you’re all ok- sending hugs!! I feel shaken if I have just a minor verbal altercation with another driver never mind physical assault!! Secondly what a bloody legend your Nan is!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Im seriously impressed! ⭐️ In the heat of the moment she has the thought to do this & could even manage to do it while something so scary was happening to her family!! Her quick thinking will no doubt lead to his conviction! My hat is firmly off please tell her of all the praise she’s is getting on here though I’m sure you’ve praised her yourself!
Lastly I want to say that it beggars belief there are human beings like this “person”
Fucking animal. His poor, poor children. What scum of the earth. Fucking coward physically & verbally attacking a woman & her disabled mother. My blood is boiling OP. Hope the police take it as seriously as it is- and use the footage you have to convict him. Like someone else suggested- I would get the video out there all over social media, hopefully it’ll go viral & reveal to the world this piece of shit’s identity & behaviour.
Best of luck OP x

KingofCats · 27/12/2023 21:44

I’m so sorry you had to go through this OP! I hope the police take firm action

flowerchild2000 · 27/12/2023 21:45

omg how scary!! I can understand being upset about the phone, it's horrible to be violated like that, with little chance of getting it replaced or paid for by him. It is likely he will be caught and held criminally responsible , between the cell video, cctv, as well as info gained from him using his card in the store. His car license info should be in at least one of the videos. Posting the footage online can be really helpful to get info from the general public on his identity and whereabouts, as well as put pressure on the authorities to bring justice. Many times they will do nothing but when it gains traction online they are suddenly heroes looking out for the little guys. I think Twitter is the place people go to post these things. Sad that crowdsourcing justice is even a 'thing.' I would also mention the phone, maybe someone(s) will help you get another one. I hope everyone is ok and recovering emotionally. I can't imagine how difficult it must be.

Swipe left for the next trending thread