School gate brawl mother facing prison

A mother of four was facing jail today after an attack on a parent outside a Black Country school which left terrified pupils in tears.

Victim Elaine Millerchip was left permanently scarred after being bit and kicked by her former friend Kerry Hall outside Ryders Green Primary School in West Bromwich, on the first day of the school year in September.

Hall, aged 26, of Creswolde Street, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm at Warley Magistrates Court yesterday and was told she faces a jail sentence.

Mr Peter Love, prosecuting, said before the attack the two women and their children had been good friends, both living in Bailey Street in West Bromwich.

But there was a fallout between the children which led to animosity between the parents.

On the day of the attack Miss Millerchip, 44, was walking towards the school in Claypit Lane with a friend at about 3pm, on the way to pick her her children.

"Miss Hall approached her and grabbed hold of Miss Millerchip's ponytail," Mr Love told the court.

A statement by Dawn Ralley, one of the parents who witnessed the attack, stated: "There were lots of children present who were screaming and crying but the assault continued. I had to turn away to calm my own young son who was hysterical."

Miss Millerchip suffered injuries to her forehead, bruising and a large bite mark and went to hospital.

Defence solicitor Rafe Turner said:"There was something of a history to the matter and it came to a head on this date in September.

"The police have been involved on least one previous occasion. "

Hall was bailed and is due to appear for sentencing on November 30.