A mother who dragged another parent to the ground and kicked her in the face outside a school in Lancaster has avoided jail, despite a judge calling her behaviour “appalling.”
Jessica Kitching, 25, launched the violent attack in front of children and parents during the school run in September 2023, following a falling out between their daughters.
Shocking School-Gate Assault
- Kitching followed the victim out of the playground before grabbing her by the ponytail and dragging her to the ground.
- She then knelt on her chest before delivering repeated kicks to her face.
- The victim pleaded for her to stop, reminding Kitching they were outside a school and that children were watching.
- Another parent intervened, pulling Kitching away.
- As she walked off, Kitching shouted threats, including “I know where you live. I’ll f*ing kill you.”**
Injuries and Victim Impact
The victim was taken to Lancaster Royal Infirmary with bruises, grazes, and a suspected hairline fracture to her nose. She later described feeling humiliated and embarrassed after being attacked in front of parents and children.
She admitted considering moving her daughter to another school out of fear Kitching might turn up at her home.
Court Hearing and Sentencing
At Preston Crown Court, Kitching pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH).
Judge Recorder Ayesha Siddiqi said:
- “You were unable to control your behaviour in front of children.
- “She must have been terrified by being pulled to the floor and kicked.
- “There was use of a shod foot as a weapon.
- “Your behaviour was so unacceptable that only a custodial sentence can be justified.”
However, the judge noted that Kitching had no previous convictions, showed remorse, and that her child would suffer if she was jailed.
Instead of prison, Kitching was sentenced to:
- 30 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months
- 15 days of rehabilitation activities
- 60 hours of unpaid work
Community Reaction
The incident has shocked the local community, with parents expressing concerns about safety at school gates.
The court heard that despite the attack, the two children have since continued to play together, and there have been no further incidents between the families.
