Carjacker runs over Avon lady in Doffcocker
8:48am Thursday 18th March 2010 in News
AN Avon lady was pushed to the ground and run over with her own vehicle when carjackers struck as she delivered beauty products, a court heard.
Victim Eleanor Marsh was targeted by the gang who crashed into her car then stole it after she got out to check the damage.
David Bentley, aged 32, denies robbery, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.
Miss Marsh was delivering Avon products when the drama unfolded in Chorley Old Road, Doffcocker.
A car crashed into the back of her Vauxhall Corsa at the roundabout with Moss Bank Way at 6.15pm on October 22 last year.
As she got out to assess the damage, a passenger in the dark coloured car — who the prosecution say is Bentley — got out and grabbed her keys from her hand.
Bolton Crown Court heard he ran to the driver’s seat and got in the vehicle. She ran after him and fought with him as he tried to adjust the seat. She screamed for help and beeped the horn to attract attention.
Patrick Williamson, prosecuting, told the jury: “He said ‘get off me’ and pushed her away with such force that it caused her to fall on to the pavement next to the car.
“He drove off at speed, with the driver door still open. As he did so the rear wheel unfortunately went over Miss Marsh’s ankle and she screamed out in pain. Fortunately no fracture was caused.”
The court was told that the other car followed as people ran to Miss Marsh’s aid and called the emergency services.
Bentley, of Towers Avenue, Deane, denies the charges.
The court heard he was arrested on November 12 and Miss Marsh identified him as her attacker during an identity parade.
Bentley said that he was at home decorating at the time of the incident.
Mr Williamson added: “It is not disputed that there was a robbery and that the car was driven off dangerously. The Crown say you can be sure on the evidence of the case that the right man has been prosecuted.”
The trial continues.
