Two charged after Wallsend pizza man attacked

Mar 23 2008 by Phil Doherty, Sunday Sun

TWO people have been arrested following an alleged assault on a pizza delivery driver who suffered a fractured skull.

Jay Andrew Morrison, 21, and Mark Dalziel, 18, both of Wallsend, North Tyneside, were charged yesterday with assault with attempt to rob in connection with the attack.

A third man, aged 20, has been bailed pending further enquiries.

According to police, the 50- year-old pizza delivery driver, who has not been named, was dropping off an order in Battle Hill, Wallsend, on Thursday, when he was allegedly attacked.

The victim suffered a depressed skull fracture and a broken eye socket. His condition yesterday was described as “potentially life threatening”.

A police spokesman said: “It was an unprovoked attack, resulting in serious head injuries.

“We are appealing for witnesses and assure members of the public that information received will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.”

Pizza delivery workers have been targeted by robbers before. In November last year, a car driver flashed his lights at a 27- year-old delivery driver as he drove along a road in Wallsend. The man stopped his vehicle and was approached by two men from the other car. They robbed him of his takings before driving off.

In May last year another pizza delivery man was badly beaten after being lured to a housing estate in Ashington, Northumberland.

Adam Toopchi-Rendell, 21, who was working for a pizza shop in the town, was repeatedly struck with a bat bearing the words “bone breaker”.

Shaun Bowden, 28, of Ashington, admitted his part in the crime and Lance Hill, 26, of nearby Guide Post, Choppington, was convicted at a three- day trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

Anyone with information about the Wallsend incident should contact North Shields CID on 0845-6043043, ext 63126.