Woman jailed after 'mistaken identity' assault on cerebral palsy patient

A woman who assaulted and robbed a vulnerable woman with cerebral palsy in a case of mistaken identity was jailed today for 27 months.

Angela White, 34, stole from Joyce Brown, 65, at her home in Glasgow’s Maryhill area in March this year.

White stormed the property in the early hours of the morning wrongly believing there were drugs inside.

Brave Miss Brown tried to fend off the intruder despite her mobility issues but was repeatedly pushed on to a couch and held down.

White pleaded guilty today at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the assault and robbery at Wyndford Road while on bail.

The court saw CCTV footage of a hooded White turning the security camera from the front door before entering.

Miss Brown heard a “loud bang” and went to investigate before being confronted by White in the living room.

Prosecutor Lauren Staunton: “She pushed Miss Brown which caused her to fall to the ground.

“She dragged her by the arm along the floor in the living room, let her go and began to search bags and boxes.”

White asked: “Where is it?” before Miss Brown clambered to her feet.

Miss Staunton added: “White pushed Miss Brown onto a chair and held her shoulders for a few seconds while continuing to search bags.”

The victim again tried to fight back, but White eventually fled with £120 and bank cards.

A traumatised Miss Brown was found lying on the floor after dialling 999.

White was held by police the next day.

James Mulgrew, defending, told the court that White had been drinking and took Valium that day.

He added: “She recalls being told drugs were in a house and she appears to have gone to the wrong house.

“She described her behaviour to me and said she was disgusted by it.”

Sheriff Joan Kerr told a weeping White jail was the only option.

She added: “I echo your own view that this was a disgusting crime.

“You forced your way into the home of a vulnerable woman, you were seen dragging her for a short period of time and forcing her down on a chair.

“This had an impact on the woman’s confidence and you deprived her of money and bank cards.”

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