Postmistress fought off attacker

A 67-year-old village postmistress has been praised for fighting off a hooded robber who attacked her with a metal bar and demanded the shop takings.

Linda Scorey was attacked at the sub post office in Sparsholt, Hampshire, by 18-year-old Admire Masaiti.

He threw a rock at the post office kiosk before climbing underneath and hitting Mrs Scorey over the head.

But Mrs Scorey fought back and Masaiti ran off. The teenager has pleaded guilty to assault with intent to rob.

She is to be praised although the police do not always encourage people to confront robbers Det Con Stephen Legg

Mrs Scorey refused to hand over the takings despite the violence and even managed to set off the alarm and pulled back his hood so CCTV cameras could get see him.

Despite being chased by two people, one on horseback and the other on a bicycle, Masaiti escaped but was later arrested.

Det Con Stephen Legg, of Hampshire police, said: "She [Mrs Scorey] put up a sterling fight and we recognised her bravery by presenting her with a certificate.

Second attack

"She is a very modest woman and she is to be praised although the police do not always encourage people to confront robbers."

The incident was the second time Mrs Scorey had been assaulted in the village shop after being punched in the face by a gun-wielding attacker in December 2000.

Masaiti appeared before Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday where he pleaded guilty to assault with intent to rob.

Recorder Duncan Adam warned Masaiti that he was considering all sentencing options and remanded him in custody until 27 June.