Caught on camera: Brave postmistress, 67, fights back after being attacked by thug armed with metal bar

Linda Scorey, 67, was left bleeding from head wounds after refusing to hand over her takings to Admire Masaiti.

As she fought back, Masaiti was forced to flee empty-handed and was pursued by two villagers, one on horseback and one on a bike.

But despite their efforts, and those of a police helicopter, he managed to escape.

Attack: Admire Masaiti, right, and Linda Scorey, both have hands on the metal bar

Yesterday, the 18-year-old, originally from Zimbabwe, was told he faces jail after pleading guilty at Winchester Crown Court to assault with intent to rob. Mrs Scorey now plans to sell the post office because of her ordeal.

The disturbing footage, which was filmed by the shop's security cameras, revealed how Masaiti walked into the quiet post office with his hood up several minutes before the attack. After browsing, he left without buying anything but soon returned.

Admire Masaiti, is seen weilding a metal bar here (left). Linda Scorey, pictured in the foreground, suffering from shock and bleeding from the head

The CCTV captured him chatting to Mrs Scorey before throwing a brick at her face when she refused to hand him cash from the till.

As the postmistress tried to take shelter in the glass-partitioned part of the shop, Masaiti can be seen ducking under the counter, picking up the brick and hurling it through the window. He then began hitting Mrs Scorey over the head with a lead pipe.

During the attack, she managed to trigger the shop's alarm and to pull Masaiti's hood down, exposing his face to the CCTV cameras.

As Masaiti fled the two villagers, alerted by the commotion, gave chase. But he escaped over fields.

Beating: Mrs Scorey fights back despite suffering from shock and bleeding from the head

Mrs Scorey, who has owned the post office in Sparsholt, Hampshire, with her friend Stella Neaves for 14 years, said: 'I just reacted and did what I had to do. I didn't feel brave at all. He was going to hit me with the pipe so I just tried to stop him however I could.'

Masaiti, of no fixed address, was told by Recorder Mr Duncan Adam that he faces jail when he returns for sentencing on June 27 - exactly one year after the attack.

Detective Constable Stephen Legg praised Mrs Scorey. 'She went beyond what you would expect someone to do to defend themselves. She's a very brave lady.'

Mrs Scorey and Stella Neaves, who have owned and run the village store for 14 years, have announced they are selling up