SHEFFIELD MAN CONVICTED FOR VIOLENT ASSAULT ON WOMAN WITH DEMENTIA
Alan Bairstow, aged 58, was found guilty of viciously assaulting Joy Watson, a woman with dementia, at the Bracey Bridge picnic spot near Driffield, East Yorkshire, in 2019.During the trial at Hull Crown Court, the jury returned a verdict of guilty by an 11-1 majority for causing actual bodily harm.
Joy Watson, aged 62 from Eccles, Greater Manchester, was a dementia champion who had previously given lectures, raised awareness, and was an advocate for those with the condition.
She was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 48 and had to give up her job as a carer.
Her attacker, Bairstow, was arrested a month after the incident, which left her with a fractured eye socket, a broken nose, and significant trauma.
She spent two days in York hospital and required further treatment in Manchester.
Joy described the attack as 'brutal, like a boxer,' and recounted how she went down and hit her head on the concrete ground, causing her injury.
She still suffers flashbacks and has said she feels 'bereaved' for her lost independence, having to sell her camper van and unable to go camping again.
Her husband, Tony Watson, highlighted the devastating effects of the assault on her confidence and independence, noting that her physical and mental health has deteriorated over the 18 months waiting for justice.
Detective Constable Steve Powell led the investigation and expressed support for the verdict, stating, “We absolutely won’t accept behaviour of this nature against the good people of our community,” and thanked Joy and her family for their bravery.
Bairstow now awaits sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court next month.
