Female kickboxer tackles violent robber in Paisley

A female kickboxer and her friend tackled a violent robber who had pounced on them in the street. Jodie Turner (18) and Melissa Hunter (20) were heading home from a night out in Paisley, Renfrewshire when they were approached by Thomas Fadian.

Career criminal Fadian threatened to stab the women unless they handed over their purses.

But, Jodie - a champion kickboxer at the age of just 12 - recalled shoving the thug and telling him to “f*** off”.

Melissa meantime booted the 44 year-old between the legs - after following her mum's advice what to do if a person ever grabbed her.

Fadian fled the scene, but was later identified to police.

He is now back behind bars after being found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow.

Fadian was convicted of attacking and attempting to rob Jodie and of assaulting Melissa.

He struck having been freed early from a six year jail term for an armed raid at a cafe in Hardgate, West Dunbartonshire in 2013.

Fadian was also apparently under supervision. He was further on bail at the time from Paisley Sheriff Court.

A judge has now warned him to expect a “significant” sentence when he returns to the dock next month.

Jodie told how she had been out for her sister's birthday last December with others including friend Melissa.

Jodie and Melissa later decided to walk home having been at a local nightclub.

The pair were then in Paisley's Netherhill Road when Fadian approached.

Jodie recalled: “He said people had been in his house and stolen money along with his TV.”

Prosecutor Jim Wallace asked: “Did you want to be involved in conversation with this man?”

Jodie: “No.”

The teenager said Fadian kept following them before then grabbing her arm and trying to snatch her purse.

Mr Wallace: “How did you react?”

Jodie: “I pushed him away and told him to 'f*** off.”

She remembered Fadian then being “aggressive”.

He tried to get hold of her once more and then threatened: “If you don't give me the purse, I will stab you.”

Brave Jodie again shoved Fadian before telling her friend they should get away.

But, Fadian then turned on Melissa, who also stood up to the thug.

He threatened to stab the young mum as well - and she admitted not “initially knowing how to react”.

However, she went on: “I turned to kick this man - obviously in the privates area.

“I had been told by my mum that if anyone tries to get hold of you, kick him where it hurts.”

Judge Lord Summers commented at that point: “A very wise mother.”

Melissa added: “I kicked him between the legs. Everything happened so quickly.”

The witness said she then recalled a fist in her face and her head “spinning”.

Fadian then ran off. Melissa initially believed her purse had been stolen, but it was later found.

She told the trial: “We were freaking out, but I said we have to phone the police.

“We could not have that happen to anyone else.”

Fadian, formerly of Glenburn, Paisley, was later identified to detectives.

Greg Farrell, defending, said Fadian admitted approaching the young women that night - but only to ask for a cigarette.

Jurors were told Fadian had a wound on his head at the time.

Mr Farrell suggested Jodie only selected him from police photos as he was the only suspect with a cut.

But, she replied: “It's him - that's why I picked him out.”

Lord Summers deferred sentencing until July 5 in Edinburgh for reports.

The judge told Fadian: “You have an absolutely abominable record of criminal misbehaviour.

“You may take it from me that when you come back before me that I will have in mind a significant and extensive sentence.”

Fadian had returned to crime despite claims he had shown a “degree of insight” into previous offending.

He had written a letter to Lord Boyd in 2013 prior to being jailed for six years for robbing a cafe.

The judge said at the time: “I have decided to restrict the custodial part of the sentence I intended to give before reading your letter and listening to your counsel.''