Mum fined for punching teen (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Mum fined for punching teen

A MUM broke the nose of one of her daughter's friends because she thought he had stolen her house-keeping money.

Karen Gassor, 38, of Westcott Place, Swindon, was handed an 18-month community rehabilitation order at Swindon Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to two charges of assault.

The more serious attack was on the teenage boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons but she also injured the lad's mum.

The court heard how Gassor, her daughter and another girl, went to the home of the 16-year-old after finding the £50 shopping money missing, on March 30.

The boy's mum tried to stop an irate Gassor getting into the house but Gassor smashed the door in to her and broke it before putting her in a headlock.

The woman had previously broken her neck and as a result had metal plates in it so the headlock was extremely painful, the court heard.

At one stage the boy got a cricket bat and shouted at Gassor to leave his mum alone.

But she barged her way into the house and punched him in the face, breaking his nose.

The youngster was also left with scratches around his neck.

Prosecuting Anna Humphries said Gassor was in a violent rage and repeatedly demanded her money back.

Ms Humphries said: "The woman (Gassor) started shouting, saying I want my money back, if I don't get it I'll smash your windows."

The police were called and when arrested Gassor, who has no previous convictions, admitted what she had done.

Defending Stephen Weighell said that Gassor, who was depressed about her divorce at the time, had been short of money and could not afford to lose £50.

"The defendant does have a young daughter and she had these two young lads coming in to her house and they went off with money that she was going to buy the week's food with.

"She found out where one of them lived and went round and wanted to speak to him.

"She is very, very embarrassed about the whole event now.

"Clearly she was annoyed with the boy, that is where her anger was directed."

Gassor was in tears as she was handed the community rehabilitation order and told to attend a Think First programme.

District Judge, Simon Cooper, said: "This was a planned and sustained attack, you went with strength in numbers.

"The assault was in the victim's own home.

"Nevertheless I give you credit for your guilty plea.

"You have shown real remorse. I understand it has been an exceptionally difficult time for you."

Gassor was ordered to pay £208 compensation to the boy and his mum and £35 court costs.

Gareth Bethell