A man from Massachusetts has been sentenced to two years in prison after assaulting a woman and attempting to run her over with his car because she failed to greet him with a “good morning.” The incident occurred on the morning of July 13, 2023, when the victim, who had been watering her plants outside her home in Dorchester, encountered Ian Atkinson, a man she did not know.
Atkinson, 33, approached the woman as she was tending to her garden. He walked by and made a comment, telling her that when people say “good morning,” she should respond with “hi.” He then used an expletive to insult her. In response, the woman began recording the incident with her cellphone. Atkinson, seemingly enraged by her lack of response, entered a nearby black Mercedes, only to return moments later. He attacked the woman, repeatedly punching her in the face before throwing her into a fence.
Despite the assault, the woman fought back, managing to bite Atkinson during the struggle. In a final act of aggression, Atkinson got into his car and attempted to drive it toward her, nearly hitting her. After the failed attempt to harm her further, he fled the scene.
When police arrived at the scene shortly afterward, the woman was found with a broken nose and extensive bruising on her face and head. Officers began investigating the incident and, after reviewing the video footage recorded by the victim, were able to identify Atkinson. They also discovered that he was wearing a GPS monitor from a previous arrest, which provided further evidence linking him to the crime. A few days later, Atkinson was arrested and charged with assault and battery, as well as assault with a dangerous weapon.
The victim’s quick thinking to record the assault proved instrumental in the case. Her bravery, coupled with her testimony during the trial, helped secure a conviction. Atkinson’s actions were deemed senseless and violent, as the entire ordeal stemmed from an insignificant exchange over a simple greeting. Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden praised the victim for her courage in both fighting back and providing crucial evidence for the case.
The sentencing was handed down by Superior Court Judge Michael Doolin after a three-day bench trial, where Atkinson was found guilty of both assault and battery and assault with a dangerous weapon. His two-year sentence reflects the severity of his actions, which were motivated by an entirely irrational response to a perceived social slight.
This case has drawn attention to the potential consequences of seemingly trivial interactions escalating into violence. In this instance, what began as a casual greeting quickly spiraled into an all-out assault. The incident has also highlighted the importance of documenting such events, as the video the victim took played a critical role in securing justice.
Atkinson’s attack has left the victim physically and emotionally scarred. However, her decision to record the event and her resilience in the face of danger have been crucial in holding him accountable for his violent actions. As the case concluded, the community was reminded of the importance of civility and the need for mutual respect in everyday interactions. It also underscored the risks of aggression and the significant consequences of escalating minor confrontations into acts of violence.
Atkinson’s sentencing serves as a reminder that even the smallest of actions can have dangerous repercussions when handled with hostility and aggression.
