Mum avoids jail after attacking teaching assistant after she called her children bullies
The shocking attack took place in front of the victim's two children
Claire Reid
A mum who launched a vicious attack on a teaching assistant who had accused her children of being bullies has been given a suspended sentence.
Lorna Silcock, 33, dragged Kayleigh Rutherford to the floor in a park before pulling out clumps of her hair, head-butting her and repeatedly punching and kicking her.
The shocking attack, which took place on 10 April last year, happened in front of Rutherford’s baby and 12-year-old daughter.
Chester Crown Court was told that in the run-up to the assault, Silcock's children had sent abusive messages to Rutherford's daughter.
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On the day of the assault, Rutherford spotted the teens in the park and approached them to warn them that she would be speaking to their mother about their behaviour - but they replied: "Our mum is going to batter you."
In a statement, the victim - who suffered concussion, black eyes and a dislocated finger - said: ''It left me feeling unsafe to leave home in fear of something like that happening again.
"It left me feeling isolated. I have been sent home from work due to panic attacks and fear of leaving the house.
“The children saw me crying after the assault and for weeks I could not string a sentence together. I kept forgetting what I was talking about."
She continued: "My daughter witnessed the assault whilst screaming and crying. She’s only young and should not have to witness something like that.
“She does not want to see me go anywhere alone in case I get hurt again, she wants to take up boxing to defend herself and protect me.
"I have felt completely rundown every day, both mentally and emotionally, I just want to get back to my normal self.”
Appearing at court, Silcock, a beautician and mum-of-five, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was sentenced to 14 months in prison, suspended for 18 months with a requirement to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.
Sentencing the judge Miss Recorder Karen Ridge said: ''Miss Rutherford was dragged to the floor, her hair was pulled, she was punched to the face, causing significant bruising, and was head-butted.
"All of these took place in the presence of her baby and daughter.
“It must have been a truly frightening experience for those who witnessed this incident. The violence that was used was unlawful and cannot in any way be excused.
"Miss Rutherford has been affected and continues to be affected to this day.''