Cruel attack (From Penarth Times)

Cruel attack

PENARTH police are appealing for witnesses after a wheelchair-bound man who suffers from cerebral palsy was attacked by young thugs on his way home from church.

Des James, aged 57, was returning from a service at All Saints in Victoria Square, Penarth, when the attack happened.

Mr James, who uses a mobility scooter, was left with head injuries after being struck by a large stone in the assault, which occurred at 7.15pm on Sunday, September 25 in Salisbury Avenue near Stanwell School.

He said: "I was returning home on my scooter when I was approached by two boys aged between about 11 and 13.

"They wanted to have a go on my scooter. I told them I couldn"t let them do that because I wouldn"t be able to stand up without losing my balance.

"They were annoyed and started taunting and teasing me.

"As I drove off a third boy who was hiding behind a wall threw a large stone at me, hitting me on the side of the head.

"I was in agony and I believe also in shock - I was shaking by the time I got home.

"The first thing I did when I got in was to report it to the police."

A Vale of Glamorgan police spokesperson said: "An investigation has been launched into this incident, which was a cruel attack on a defenceless man.

"Mr James was left with heavy bruising on the side of his face.

"We are appealing for witnesses to help us with our enquiries. Anyone with any further information should call Penarth police on 029 2052 7361 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."