Mother’s disgust as play park boy ‘bullied by teen’

Schoolgirl accused of leaving child hysterical Exclusive

A mother of three has told of her disgust after claims her fouryear-old son was attacked in a play park by a 13-year-old girl.

Amy Hoctor, of Manciple Close, says frightened Callum was sworn at, shoved and pulled from a slide by the teenage bully as he played yards from his home with his eight-year-old sister, Faye.

Mrs Hoctor, 30, has reported the incident – which happened in Franklyn Road at about 5pm on Sunday – to the girl’s school, Canterbury High.

She is thought to be 13, and was in the park with friends.

Mrs Hoctor said: “Callum was repeatedly sworn at, shoved and pulled from a slide by his legs by a girl. He came back to the house hysterical.

“My eight-year-old daughter couldn’t do anything and still feels really bad.

“Callum looks up to his sister and has never had to deal with anything like that – it’s almost unbelievable.

Shocking

“I’m well aware there is not much to do for other children, but seeking some kind of pleasure in doing this to a four-yearold boy is shocking and disgusting.

“I hope they are ashamed of themselves now.”

Mrs Hoctor says Faye was badly affected by the incident and claims schools and parents need to do more to deter bullying.

She let Callum and Faye play in the park, which is designed for younger children, while she cleaned her car outside her house, but says she will not allow them to play alone in the future.

She added: “Even though we live next to the park, it’s the first time I’ve let them go there by themselves, but now I am even more fearful for them.”

Canterbury Academy head teacher Phil Karnavas says the school is aware of the incident and is investigating.

He said: “We have dealt with it at this end since we take the view that no matter when or where stuff like this happens we will deal with it as best we can because we have the right to do so.

“We believe that we have a role to play in the community and so our students’ behaviour – good and less so – is always of interest to us, no matter where they are or when it is.”

‘Callum was sworn at, shoved and pulled from a slide’

What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk or write to Gazette House, 5-8 Boorman Way, Wraik Hill, Whitstable, CT5 3SE.

Picture: Tony Flashman FM3883527 Callum Hoctor, four, was allegedly assaulted in the play park for toddlers in Franklyn Road