A video posted this week shows a West Lothian street incident in which a woman repeatedly struck a parked mobility vehicle with a hammer, leaving the owner without vital transport and prompting a court hearing. The episode raises fresh questions about neighbour disputes, community safety and the practical impact when accessible vehicles are damaged.
The footage, recorded on September 2, 2025, in Mossend View, West Calder, documents 52-year-old Donna Dickson using a hammer to smash the rear passenger window of a blue motability car owned by Debora Coalman. Debora’s daughter filmed the incident as it unfolded on the road outside their home.
Video shows the assailant striking the vehicle multiple times before walking away. Another person can be seen approaching the car during the episode. Police investigations estimate the damage at about £3,000.
Court outcome and local reaction
Last week at Livingston Sheriff Court Dickson admitted a charge of wilfully or recklessly destroying or damaging another’s property. She was fined £225 and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge, a total penalty of £245.
Debora Coalman told local reporters the attack left her without her specially adapted vehicle for around three weeks. She said a loan car was provided but did not meet her mobility needs, forcing her to engage a private investigator to resolve insurance or eligibility questions — adding emotional stress to an already disruptive situation.
“I felt unsafe and stopped using the car because I feared a repeat attack,” she said, describing the scene as frightening and noting that children were nearby when the windows were smashed.
| Incident | Hammer attack on mobility vehicle |
|---|---|
| Date | 2 September 2025 |
| Location | Mossend View, West Calder |
| Owner | Debora Coalman |
| Accused | Donna Dickson, 52 |
| Estimated damage | About £3,000 |
| Court result | Pleaded guilty; fine of £225 + £20 surcharge |
Beyond the immediate repair bill, the case highlights practical issues that matter to readers now: accessible cars are not luxury items but essential aids for many people, and damage can leave owners without transport for medical appointments and daily care.
- Access impact: Mobility vehicles enable independence and medical access; damage can interrupt care and routines.
- Community safety: Neighbour disputes that escalate to property violence raise concerns about local policing and dispute resolution.
- Legal consequences: Penalties for property damage may not cover full financial or personal losses caused to victims.
Local authorities confirmed the court outcome but gave no further comment on any ongoing civil claims or additional police action. The case is likely to resonate with residents who depend on adapted vehicles and with community groups campaigning for stronger protection of vulnerable neighbours.
For now, the video remains a stark illustration of how a short, violent episode can ripple through a household — affecting security, mobility and peace of mind long after the glass has been cleared away.
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
