Paul Whitehouse mugged buying wife’s medicine in Islington

Comedian Paul Whitehouse, 68, was the victim of an attempted mugging on Essex Road in Islington while purchasing medicine for his wife, Dr Mine Conkbayir ^[1]. The incident occurred at a cashpoint beside a Sainsbury’s Local late last night. Dr Conkbayir, a 46-year-old neuroscience specialist and early years researcher, revealed the attack on Instagram, describing it as a 'horrid start to the weekend' ^[2].

She explained that she had suffered a bad reaction to a medical treatment, prompting Whitehouse to dash out to collect her medication. According to her post, Whitehouse managed to fight off the attacker and retrieve his card, leaving the assailant empty-handed ^[1].

Despite the physical confrontation, Whitehouse did not receive help from bystanders during the incident, Dr Conkbayir noted in her comments ^[1]. She later encouraged him to go public with the event, saying he had returned home frustrated after dropping their daughter, Delilah, off at football.

The couple, who have been together for 22 years and married for seven, do not live together due to differing lifestyle preferences—Dr Conkbayir, who has ADHD, requires constant background noise and light, while Whitehouse does not ^[2]. She completed her PhD at UCL Institute of Education and has authored multiple research textbooks.

Whitehouse met her when she was 23, working in a health food shop while studying ^[2]. The couple share a daughter, Delilah, who is 13. Whitehouse has four daughters in total from previous relationships.

The incident has sparked an outpouring of support online, with celebrities including Georgina Hagen and Deborah Frances-White expressing concern and solidarity ^[1]. While the couple are considering reporting the attack to police, Dr Conkbayir has expressed skepticism about police intervention, stating they have not helped in past incidents. The story was first reported by Metro and Daily Star.