LEEDS WOMAN GUILTY OF BOILING WATER ATTACK ON ELDERLY NEIGHBOR
The disturbing incident saw Ina Priestly, 56, approach Susan Varley, 68, and pour steaming hot water over her face as she was walking her four-year-old grandson to school.The CCTV footage captured the attack, which left Susan seriously injured with burns to her scalp, forehead, cheek, ear, and the back of her neck.
Her eyesight was preserved thanks to her glasses, but she suffered severe injuries requiring hospital treatment, including surgery to treat blisters and burns.
Ina Priestly pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Leeds Crown Court and received a two-year community order.
She was also ordered to engage in up to 25 rehabilitation activities, pay a £114 surcharge, and was issued an indefinite restraining order not to contact Susan directly or indirectly.
According to Susan's daughter, Donna, her mother is still very ill and has become a shell of her former self, living with constant fears of being attacked again, possibly with acid or a knife.
Donna also revealed that Ina had been a troublesome neighbor for the past two years, threatening her mother, damaging her garden, and sabotaging her driveway with nails.
The incident occurred on February 6, just before 8 am, and Ina was arrested on the same day after the attack.
The court documents also mention that Ina had previously caused trouble for Donna’s family, including threatening and damaging property.
Susan was treated at Leeds General Infirmary before transfer to Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, where she underwent surgery for her injuries.
Despite her injuries, Donna asserts that her mum was only able to see because she wore glasses.
The case highlights the ongoing impact on Susan’s mental and physical wellbeing, and Ina’s guilty plea and sentencing reflect the severity of her actions.
