Tracks Of My Tears: Ex-Train Couple's Bust Up

A Southeastern trains employee, who bumped into her ex-girlfriend – a driver with the company – struck her to the side of the head in a busy shop, a court heard.

Bobbette Henry, 50, (pictured) of Broadfield Road, Catford ran into former partner Tea Dautovic in a branch of healthfood store Holland & Barrett in Lewisham on August 29, last year.

Bromley Magistrates Court heard the women disagree on the amount of force used with Ms Dautovic describing it as a punch to the side of her temple and the defendant claiming she merely put her hand out.

Henry pleaded guilty to assault and was conditionally discharged for twelve months, ordered to pay £50 compensation to her ex, plus £85 costs and a £26 victim surcharge.

The court heard the couple had dated for five years and came face-to-face just two weeks after the split, although Henry says they broke up two years before that.

Without warning the defendant suddenly and unexpectedly struck Ms Dautovic with a punch to the side of her head.

The victim immediately walked away and described herself as feeling “shocked, scared, confused and angry,” and is now paranoid about walking around in public in Lewisham.

The prosecution described it as a “fairly short assault” with no description of any injury.

Henry claims Ms Dautovic called her a “black n*****” when they met in the shop and had deliberately tried to “antagonise” her since they broke up.

She also insisted she did not punch the victim, but simply put her hand out, but accepted it was unacceptable behaviour.

The magistrate told Henry: “It is always a great shame to see someone of your age in trouble. I know emotions were high and it was not the worst assault we have ever heard of.

“I am sure we will never see you again.”