Pensioner's torment after being hit by e-scooter in Bexhill

Myra Wood, 79, was in hospital for two days and unable to eat solid food for six weeks following the crash.

Mrs Wood was struck by Paul Satchell, 58, who was trying to escape police after they warned him to stop.

Satchell ignored them, turned away and rode off.

Paul Satchell (Image: Sussex Police)

He was riding at speed along Watermill Lane in Bexhill and looking back at the officers pursuing him in their car.

Mrs Wood was left with a fractured eye socket after he slammed into her while she was crossing the road.

Satchell was uninjured.

Satchell, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 16 months in prison on September 9 after he was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The two police officers arrested Satchell and gave first aid to Mrs Wood.

She said the accident on December 1, 2020, had affected her deeply. She said: “I can say that this collision left me with physical and mental scars that have fundamentally affected my quality of life.

“I know I am a shadow of my former self.”

The e-scooter Satchell was riding (Image: Sussex Police)

Mrs Wood previously enjoyed an active life with regular walks, visits to shops and church every Sunday in Bexhill and Sidley.

She has been left with extreme anxiety and felt “terrified” to cross roads after the incident.

E-scooters are illegal to ride on pavements and roads.

Satchell has also been disqualified from driving for a further three years and eight months.

Speaking after the case, collision unit investigator Chris McGuckin said: “This was a particularly unusual case in as much as it was an e-scooter that was involved. We could only charge Satchell if it was established that the e-scooter was a ‘vehicle’ within the meaning of the Road Traffic Act.

The moment Satchell knocked Mrs Wood over (Image: Sussex Police)

“The quick actions of PC Daniel Turk and PC Jason Kemp to seize the e-scooter, and then the examination and photographs taken by PC Dave Upjohn from our Roads Policing Unit, ensured we were able to show this was a ‘mechanically propelled vehicle’ to the satisfaction of the CPS.

“Satchell at first pleaded not guilty to the charge and the matter was sent to the crown court for trial.

“But he failed to attend court on several occasions. Warrants were issued for his arrest. When he was arrested and appeared in court, the evidence was so strong that he had no choice but to change his plea to guilty.

“We are pleased that we could at last get justice for Mrs Wood with the 16-month prison sentence.

“The case shows that all road users have an obligation to pay attention and be aware of others on the road to prevent causing serious harm.

“It also demonstrates the harm that can be caused by e-scooters, which are still illegal to use in public, outside of a trial area.”