THE middle-aged wife of a St Helens businessman was this week recovering from what she alleges was an unprovoked terror attack while taking her weekly swim at a St Helens public baths.

Alison Simm (50) from Kingsway, Moss Bank, claims that she was standing in the shallow end at Boundary Road, chatting with an attendant, when a man grabbed her by the arm and began pummelling her about the neck and back.

She describes how she struggled to the side of the plunge where the attendant was able to reach out and restrain her attacker. "I was later told that he was a man of about 30, with a history of mental illness and living in special accommodation in St Helens," said Mrs Simm who was afterwards taken by her husband to St Helens Hospital for a check-up but was then allowed home.

"Examination showed that there was no serious injury, though there was swellings and she later showed bruising," said her husband, Dave, owner of the St Helens Domestic Appliance Centre in Westfield Street. "But she was deeply shocked by the experience and has had sleepless nights since." Mr Simm said that his wife was still suffering the after-effects of breaking her pelvis and damaging her back in a horse-riding fall four years ago. "We needed to know if the attack had caused any further complication."

He added: "I understand that my wife's attacker was with a minder, but that this person was swimming in the deep end when the totally unprovoked assault took place. If so, I cannot accept that his charge was being properly supervised and I am now seeking legal advice with a view to possible action for damages against the authorities responsible."

Following the alleged incident, on Wednesday last week, Mrs Simm made a full statement to the police. She said: "I just can't get it out of my mind. I was just standing there, talking to the baths attendant about my recent holiday, when this man came splashing across towards me, grabbed my arm and began hitting out. All I could do was cover my face with my other hand and struggle to the side of the pool.

"I was told that my attacker, because of his condition, was not responsible for his actions. But, if so, why was he allowed in a public place like that without someone constantly at his side?"

Nigel Beam, director of services at Thingwall Hall, Napier Street, a Brothers of Charity-run organisation which offers sheltered housing and day support to adults with learning disabilities, said: "We are mindful about what has happened and the situation is now being dealt with in the correct way by the appropriate people. I can't really say any more than that at present.

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