Disturbing video footage captured the moment when a neighbor threw a kettle of scalding water at a disabled grandmother, causing severe injuries. Susan Varley, aged 68, was accompanying her young grandson to school when her neighbor, Ina Priestly, aged 56, unexpectedly poured the boiling water on her face. The CCTV footage of the incident showed Susan collapsing in agony as Priestly callously walked away.
The grandmother sustained significant burns to her scalp, forehead, left cheek, ear, and neck, but her eyesight was spared due to the protective glasses she wore. Her grandson narrowly avoided the scalding water because he had his hood up. Ina admitted guilt to causing grievous bodily harm with intent at Leeds Crown Court and received a two-year community order, along with a requirement to engage in up to 25 rehabilitation activities.
Susan, residing in Morley, Leeds, remains too unwell to communicate, but her daughter Donna, aged 35, expressed the lasting impact of the incident on her mother’s well-being. Donna stated that Ina had been a source of persistent trouble for her mother over the past two decades, making threats and engaging in destructive behaviors. The assault occurred early in the morning as Susan was walking her grandson to school, prompting immediate medical attention and legal action.
Following treatment at Leeds General Infirmary and subsequent surgery at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield for her burns, Susan was discharged. Ina initially pleaded not guilty at Leeds Magistrates’ Court but later changed her plea to guilty at Leeds Crown Court, resulting in the sentencing of a two-year community order and additional requirements. An indefinite restraining order was also issued to prevent any contact between Ina and Susan.