Ryan Whitehead – Newport

A driver with 22 previous convictions punched a disabled 60-year-old woman through her car window and stole her phone after pursuing her through Cwmbran.

Ryan Whitehead, 32, tailgated Karen Bulmer, revved his engine and drove aggressively before blocking her vehicle during the terrifying confrontation.

He then reached through her open window and punched her in the right temple, verbally abused her and took her mobile phone.

Whitehead, of Clarence Place, Newport, was jailed for five years and nine months at Cardiff Crown Court after admitting robbery and dangerous driving.

The attack happened on July 18 last year after Whitehead reacted aggressively to what he perceived as a driving slight.

Driving a black Audi A3, he followed Mrs Bulmer so closely and aggressively that she suggested they drive to a police station.

As she approached, Whitehead overtook her and swerved across traffic. He later blocked her car.

Whitehead and a female passenger got out and approached Mrs Bulmer’s vehicle before he launched the attack.

Police subsequently traced and arrested him. His DNA was found inside the victim’s car.

Mrs Bulmer, who was approaching her 60th birthday at the time, told the court the consequences had lasted far beyond those few minutes.

“It happened in a number of minutes but those minutes completely changed the way I live my life,” she said.

“I’m still frightened, anxious, fearful and distressed over what happened that day. Since that day, I’m still not the same person.”

The court heard Whitehead already had 22 previous convictions, including robbery and dangerous driving offences.

Alongside his prison sentence, he was disqualified from driving for six years and six months following his release.