Mother Escapes Jail After Brutal School-Gate Attack in Lancaster
A 25-year-old mum launched a terrifying assault on another parent outside a Lancaster school, dragging her to the ground and kicking her in the face in front of shocked children. Despite the judge branding her actions “appalling,” Jessica Kitching walked free from jail.
Shocking School Attack Caught at the Gates
- Kitching followed her victim out of the playground, grabbed her by the ponytail, and dragged her down.
- She knelt on the woman’s chest and kicked her repeatedly in the face.
- The victim begged her to stop, pointing out they were outside a school filled with watching children.
- Another parent stepped in, pulling Kitching away amid her furious threats, including: “I know where you live. I’ll f***ing kill you.”
Victim Left Bruised and Traumatised
The victim was rushed to Lancaster Royal Infirmary with bruises, grazes, and a suspected hairline fracture to her nose. She revealed feeling “humiliated and embarrassed” having been attacked in front of other parents and children.
Fearing for her safety, she admitted considering moving her daughter to a different school to avoid Kitching possibly turning up at her home.
Court Drama: Judge Slams Attack but Suspends Jail Sentence
At Preston Crown Court, Kitching pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH). Judge Recorder Ayesha Siddiqi blasted her behaviour:
“You were unable to control your behaviour in front of children. The victim must have been terrified being pulled to the floor and kicked. Use of a shod foot as a weapon is unacceptable. Only custody can be justified.”
However, the judge gave Kitching a break, noting her clean record, genuine remorse, and the impact jail would have on her child.
- 30 weeks custody suspended for 12 months
- 15 days of rehabilitation activities
- 60 hours of unpaid work
Community in Shock as Parents Worry About Safety
The violent attack has sent shockwaves through the local community. Parents are raising alarms about their safety at school gates. Despite the ordeal, the children of the two women have continued to play together and there have been no further incidents between the families.
