Autistic boy punched as he plays in street for first time in years

April 27, 2009

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Apr 27 2009 by Staff Reporter, South Wales Echo

AN autistic boy who was punched in the face then had his bike stolen was out

playing for the first time in two years when he was hit.

Police are investigating reports that 10-year-old Kai Goldie was attacked by two

girls while riding his bike in a park on Coleford Drive, St Mellons, and the

theft of his bike later that evening.

His mother Deborah Goldie said she now fears her son may not venture outside

again.

Deborah, 37, of Bodnant Close, St Mellons, said: " I'm really shocked. I've been

so excited that he's been going out because generally he just stays in his room.

" But this year there have been a lot more kids in the street and he just saw

everybody playing.

" One of his biggest fears is being punched by someone and this will set him

back. "

Kai, whose mild form of autism makes it difficult for him to socialise with

other children, went out to play on Wednesday at around 6.30pm.

He lent his bike to two girls, but they later refused to return it. When Kai

became upset, one of the girls punched him, causing his nose to bleed.

A friend of Deborah's was in the area and contacted the mother of three.

" I was out my door before I even had time to put my 20-month-old baby in the

buggy, " said Deborah.

" I was so annoyed and he was really shaken. "

She contacted the police who took a statement from Kai, but sometime between

7.30pm and 10.30pm, Kai's bike was taken from the garden.

Deborah described the bike as having a bright yellow frame with the word

" hummer " written in black down the side.

Deborah said: " When I asked him what he wanted to do he said he wanted to go

back and play on his bike, but now has gone too.

" Kids shouldn't do this to any child, never mind one with autism. "

South Wales Police said their enquiries were ongoing.

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