A 68-year-old disabled grandmother suffered serious burns after a neighbour poured a kettle of boiling water over her as she walked her four-year-old grandson to school, a court heard. The attacker, 56-year-old Ina Priestly, pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and was given a two-year community order.
The assault occurred shortly before 8 a.m. on February 6, 2025, in Morley, Leeds, North Yorkshire, when Susan Varley set off with her grandson. Closed-circuit footage shown in court captured Priestly walking up to Varley, then pouring the contents of a kettle over her before returning inside. Varley fell to the ground screaming. Her grandson avoided scalding only because he had his hood up.
Paramedics and police were called after Varley’s husband, 76-year-old Stuart, heard his wife screaming and ran outside. Varley was taken to Leeds General Infirmary for emergency treatment and three days later received surgical treatment for blisters at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield. Doctors treated burns to her scalp, forehead, left cheek and ear, and the back of her neck. Her eyesight was reported to have been saved because she was wearing glasses at the time of the attack.
Varley’s daughter, Donna, 35, said her mother has been left physically and mentally scarred and is “a shell of the person she once was,” adding that Varley now rarely leaves the house. Donna told reporters her mother had complained to the council about Priestly’s behaviour on multiple occasions and described a long-running feud between the neighbours, saying Priestly had previously threatened Varley, damaged her garden and left nails on her driveway.
Priestly was arrested on the day of the attack and appeared at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on March 10, where she initially pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody. A trial was set for August 5; on the morning the trial was due to begin she changed her plea to guilty to a single count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
At Leeds Crown Court the judge imposed a two-year community order requiring Priestly to undertake up to 25 rehabilitation activity days, a £114 surcharge, and an indefinite restraining order prohibiting direct or indirect contact with Varley. Prosecutors said the attack was unprovoked and caused significant physical injury and psychological distress.
Medical reports and family statements presented at court described ongoing treatment needs and the impact on Varley’s day-to-day life. Court records indicate Varley was discharged from hospital after initial treatment but required follow-up care for wounds that at times had to be debrided and dressed to reduce the risk of infection.
The case highlights concerns about neighbour disputes escalating to violent attacks. Local authorities and social services were cited by the family as having been notified of prior incidents, but the family said previous complaints had not prevented the February assault. The Crown did not suggest any motive beyond the sequence of events leading up to the attack, and defence submissions at sentencing focused on factors the court deemed relevant to the offender’s circumstances.
An indefinite restraining order remains in place to protect Varley from further contact by Priestly. Police and health services continue to provide support to the victim and her family as she recovers from her injuries.