Assault trial date for mum

A Renfrewshire mum banned from going near a school amid claims she assaulted youngsters is due to go on trial next week.

Margaret Rooney, 35, is alleged to have assaulted two children and chased them and two other youths while brandishing the blade.

Rooney, a mother-of-six, faces four charges over her alleged actions towards the youngsters, on March 12 this year in her home town of Linwood.

She faces two assault charges and two charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

Prosecutors claim Rooney behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting and swearing at a 14-yearold and ordering him to fight another youth.

She is also accused of assaulting a 13-year-old girl by throwing a brick at her, and is said to have assaulted the 14-year-old boy by pushing him.

The second threatening or abusive behaviour charge states that she shouted, swore and chased after the boy and girl and two others - a 16-year-old boy and 17-yearold girl - while armed with a knife.

The case against Rooney called at Paisley Sheriff Court yesterday for a pre- trial hearing to take place, and was continued until next week for the trial.

Rooney is on bail with special conditions, which ban her from approaching or contacting her alleged victims and going near St Benedict’s Secondary School in Linwood, “unless to attend a prearranged meeting with a member of staff.”