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GEORGINA Smith and her daughter Becky.
GEORGINA Smith and her daughter Becky.

Private prosecution vow by mum

Jeni Harvey
23/ 6/2005

A TEENAGER who left her classmate unconscious in a vicious "happy slapping" attack will not escape charges, the victim's mother has vowed.

Georgina Smith, whose 16-year-old daughter Becky was beaten up in Blackley on 9 May, says that she will take out a private prosecution against her daughter's attacker.

Becky, who took her last GCSE exam on Tuesday, had to spend two days in hospital as she was left unconscious and with temporary paralysis after the attack, which was filmed on mobile phones.

Greater Manchester Police have decided not to pursue criminal charges, and instead issued the teenage attacker with a caution when she answered bail at Plant Hill Police Station on Tuesday.

Georgina, of Selston Road, Blackley, said: "I'm really annoyed, I can't believe they've only given her a caution. I know she's only 16 and she's got her whole life ahead of her, but so has Becky. Other children will be thinking they can get away with it now.

"I want her prosecuted and I'm going to the private prosecution service. I can't let her get away with this - she left Becky unconscious and hasn't even made an apology.

"I'm definitely going to take it further."

The family can afford to proceed with a private prosecution because the local community has pulled together to contribute to Becky's 'fighting fund'.

According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Becky's attacker was eligible to receive a caution because she did not deny her actions and has had no previous convictions, in accordance with guidelines for young offenders.

The Smiths are also angry that Becky's school, Plant Hill High in Blackley, has not taken tough action, even though the attack was the latest in a series of bullying incidents she says she had reported to the school.

Although footage of the attack was circulated on pupils' mobile phones, Georgina said that her request for an assembly to confiscate the telephones had been refused.

At the time of going to press, Plant Hill High School had refused to comment.


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Most recent 2 of 2 user comments

   I wish to take a private prosecution as I am renderred disabled as a result of attacks that were not treated nor invesigated by the police properly. I have absolute evidence, of perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice, I was concerned to read in your article that you may have to pay for the costs of any action you bring. In my case the police simply did not bother to investigate. would you know if it is always the case that you have to pay, or, as in my case if as I am I am not only disabled but I am now on benefits if I still have to find funding??for a private prosecution. I would appreciate a reply although I am trying to find out for myself. Best wishes and good luck.. I know the frustration you must be going through.
Anita habib, kent
30/07/2005 at 01:36
   I believe the only way to get schools and LEA's to take bullying seriously is for parents to continually go to court. Schools have a duty of care and so do LEA's to protect children from 'harm', any school that fails is guilty of negligence. We have removed our son from Primary school because of the schools failures and we have a solicitor onboard. Head teacher's are the failures they are scared to write to the bullies parents for fear of reprisals. Our headteacher actually lied to the parents of a bully and we were threatened by the parents. One parent has been given a harrassment, alarm & distress order on him. We have taken the issue up with the LEA and they just cover up. We have threatened court action and this is very likely to be happening soon. Rgds Mrs Austin
Mrs K Austin, Kent
14/07/2005 at 11:29
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