ANGELA Hennessey who admitted assaulting a ten-year-old girl, has been given a two-year conditional discharge by magistrates in Devizes.

Hennessey, of Westview Crescent, Devizes, admitted common assault on the girl on August 18.

Kennet Magistrates Court in Devizes was told that Hennessey, 30, grabbed the girl after an incident in the street involving other children.

The mother of the ten-year-old victim said she saw Hennessey with both hands around her daughter's throat and so she pushed Hennessey away.

The court heard the victim had been traumatised by the assault.

In a video interview with the police the girl said: "I couldn't breathe and my shoulder was hurting. I'm scared about going out to play. I have nightmares and I have wet the bed twice."

Andrew Watts-Jones, defending, said Hennessey disputed the Crown's facts. He said she grabbed the victim by her clothing around her neck and not her throat. She also denied swearing at the girl.

Mr Watts-Jones said: "Mrs Hennessey is mortified to be in court for this assault. This assault has meant she has lost the chance to have a career in child care."

As well as the two-year conditional discharge the magistrates ordered Hennessey to pay £100 compensation to the victim and £30 towards court costs.