York Crown Court in North Yorkshire, England sentenced two sisters and their friend for their involvement in a violent assault on a woman, leaving her with severe injuries. Judge Simon Hickey described the attack as “brutal, unprovoked, and cowardly,” resulting in the victim being “virtually blind” following the incident in Scarborough in October 2023.
Ellie Patterson, 20, and Toni Patterson, 32, admitted to assault causing grievous bodily harm and affray, leading to their imprisonment. Their sister Abbie Patterson, 19, and friend Tania Stott, 35, also faced consequences for their roles in the attack on the 51-year-old woman, who was a stranger to the group.
The court learned that the Patterson sisters and their friend Stott engaged in the assault after being refused entry to a bar, escalating into a violent confrontation in the streets of Scarborough. CCTV footage showed the women attacking the victim, even after she fell to the ground, resulting in serious injuries including a brain bleed and broken eye socket.
The victim, who was born blind in one eye, suffered life-altering injuries that left her unable to perform daily tasks or attend to her responsibilities as a carer and grandmother. The impact of the attack on the victim’s life was profound, as she expressed feeling “useless” and mourning her lost abilities.
During the sentencing, Judge Hickey acknowledged the mitigating circumstances of the Patterson sisters, noting the impact of loss and previous offenses on their behavior. However, he condemned the “disgusting act of unprovoked violence” and emphasized the physical and psychological trauma inflicted on the victim.
Investigating officer Paul Thompson of North Yorkshire Police condemned the actions of the women, stating there was no justification for their behavior. He commended the victim’s courage in facing the aftermath of the attack and highlighted the accountability the perpetrators faced for their actions.
The sentencing of the women serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent behavior and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and communities, reinforcing the need for accountability and justice in such cases. The victim’s resilience in the face of adversity and the support of law enforcement in seeking justice underscore the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the vulnerable from harm.