Teen caused horrendous injuries to queuing OAP

A TEENAGER caused horrendous injuries when he attacked a pensioner for no clear reason while queueing at a burger van, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

- CONOR GOGARTY

Alec Edwards, then 19, yelled "I'll have you" at the 70-year-old as he carried out the GBH (grievous bodily harm) assault near the B&Q home improvement store in Cwmbran's Lockgate Retail Park.

The victim, Gwynfor Williams, was so seriously hurt that he needed a full hip replacement and extensive wrist surgery. He said the attack had left him unable to walk unaided and cost him his job.

Prosecutor Leah Pollard said the victim was waiting in line for the burger van at around noon on June 5 last year when he noticed Edwards - who was waiting with an electric bike - being abusive to other customers in the queue. One customer, who didn't realise Edwards was waiting, went ahead of him in the queue, which prompted the teen to shout: "There's a f***ing queue here, mate, are you joking me?"

The customer stepped back and raised his hands, telling Edwards he didn't want any issues. But Edwards got off his bike and continued shouting and swearing, squinting and clenching his jaw. At this point Mr Williams intervened to defend the other customer. "Leave it, you're next in the queue anyway," he told Edwards.

Edwards replied: "Dont f***ing start, I'm having a bad day anyway. What's it to do with you?" He stepped forward and pushed Mr Williams, who stumbled back into the burger van.