A pensioner accused of kicking an expectant mother in the stomach has walked free after the Crown failed to corroborate its case against her.
Karl Felber had been on trial at Aberdeen’s Justice of the Peace court accused of punching Kirstyn McGregor to the head and kicking her to the body.
His wife Adrienne, 69, was also accused of shouting and swearing at the 21-year-old, however the charge against her was dropped last week.
Giving evidence during the first day of the trial Miss McGregor broke down in tears as she told the court how she feared for her unborn baby as she was attacked by the pair of pensioners when she was 16 weeks pregnant.
She said she had been leaving the Asda store on Links Road, Aberdeen, when Felber bashed into her twice with his shopping trolley.
Miss McGregor said she turned round and swore once at him before he swung at her head and kicked her in the stomach.
She told the court she stayed at the supermarket for a few minutes after the alleged attack as she was too scared to leave. She then headed back to her work where she phoned her partner who took her to get checked over at hospital.
During cross examination solicitor John McLeod put it to Miss McGregor that she had assaulted Mr Felber first.
Miss McGregor said she had tried to push him away after he started shouting at her.
Addressing the JP this morning Mr McLeod lodged a no case to answer submission and said his client had only reacted to Miss McGregor after she attempted to punch him first.
He said his client’s position was that he reacted in self defence and stated that this was not challenged by the Crown.
Mr McLeod said no other evidence was led to corroborate an unprovoked attack.
This morning the JP accepted the defence’s submission and acquitted Mr Felber of the assault.
Speaking outside court, the couple said the stress of the case had been “terrible” and they were glad they had been acquitted on all charges.
The Crown has said it will appeal the decision of the court.