Mum weeps at conviction for part in street brawl
SHE ‘SNAPPED’ AFTER ANOTHER WOMAN’S TAUNTS OVER WEIGHT
A MUM of two who “snapped” after being taunted about her weight became embroiled in a violent street brawl, a court has heard.
Hayley Shaw ended up “on the ground, covered in bruises” after fighting with Tina Hughes in Carter Street, Uttoxeter.
The pair had earlier argued in a pub, before Hughes pursued Shaw through the town centre, “shouting and swearing” at her.
Cannock Magistrates’ Court heard how Shaw, 47, tried to ignore Hughes’ jibes, but eventually “lost it” and ran across the road to confront her.
As the pair threw punches, other people became involved – some wielding “weapons” - and a woman was glassed.
Sara Beddow, prosecuting, said: “They became embroiled in a brawl, with punches being thrown.
“Then matters escalated, with other people present, and at some point Miss Hughes began to grapple with Miss Shaw on the ground and began to throw punches.” In a police interview, Shaw said she had “lost it” and was “going through a lot at the moment and just snapped”.
CCTV of the fight, which happened on July 4, the first day pubs were allowed to reopen after lockdown, was played and it was confirmed Shaw was of previous good character.
David Houldcroft, defending, said the Chaffinch Drive care worker was “in drink” when committing her offence.
He said: “She’s cooperated fully with the police and acknowledged straight away that she’d done something wrong.
“Tina Hughes was giving Miss Shaw all the verbals, calling her all sorts of names.
“She tried to walk off initially, but then snapped and rose to that goading.
“One of the things that was part of that abuse was picking on her weight – she’s very sensitive about that.
“(After the fight) she came off far worse than the other lady (Hughes), who is far bigger.
“She ended up on the ground, covered in bruises.
“The domestic abuse she’s suffered in the past has made her sensitive to this provocation.
“She has two children, one 12 and one 18, who live with her; she’s the sole carer.
“One of the biggest punishments she can face is losing her good character after 47 years.”
Shaw, who had already pleaded guilty to affray, wept as magistrates sentenced her to a two-year community order, imposing a £212 fine and a £95 victim surcharge.
Hughes, 49, of George Elliott Close, Uttoxeter, has pleaded guilty to using or threatening unlawful violence.
She was due to appear at Cannock Magistrates’ Court today for sentencing.