A teaching assistant who spat in a special needs pupil's face at a school in Kent has been jailed for four years for child cruelty. Danuska Pullia, 47, admitted to spitting at a child and pinching the nose of another as she attempted to remove plastic from their mouth.
Background of the Case
The incidents occurred between September 2021 and July 2023 at a school in Kent. Parents and other teachers reported Pullia for hitting, pinching, and spitting at pupils, prompting a police investigation. She was convicted in November after a trial at Maidstone Crown Court on four charges of child cruelty. Victims' families were reportedly heard crying as the verdicts were announced.
Pullia's Actions and Statements
In a police interview released after her conviction, Pullia claimed she 'can't remember' why she spat in the child's face but said the child had spat at her 'maybe twice.' She also admitted to pinching a child's nose after the child took another's food, stating, 'Yes I did. I pinched the child's nose so I could take the food out of his mouth. It was a chocolate bar.' When asked about training that suggested this tactic, she replied 'none.'
During the trial, the court heard that her victims, described as 'very vulnerable' with complex and challenging needs, were left in pain with cuts, red marks, and bruises. Some children would flinch when she approached. Prosecutor Richard Reynolds stated that regardless of the children's behaviour, Pullia's actions as a responsible adult in a care position were 'entirely unacceptable.'
Details of the Abuse
Pullia had pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied harming any children. However, the court heard she once responded to being spat at by a child by spitting back and then taking the child's hand and hitting them in the face with it. She later told a colleague she lost her temper. On another occasion, when a child put a plastic-wrapped cake in their mouth, she pinched their nose and levered it out with her other hand. A different child was seen with a red ear after Pullia took them to the toilet.
Pullia claimed her behaviour did not happen as described or that any physical contact was to 'guide' children or as a 'last resort' in line with training and the need to keep pupils and staff safe. She said the spitting was accidental and that she pinched the child's nose 'for a second' because she feared the child was in danger.
Trial and Sentencing
The trial was adjourned overnight after Pullia became ill in the witness box with acid reflux. The following day she did not attend court, sending a medical note citing a depressive mood. Thereafter, she came to court in a wheelchair each day.
After sentencing, Detective Constable Hollie Kent said: 'Pullia was entrusted with the care of vulnerable children and utterly failed in that responsibility. Her actions have had a lasting impact on her victims, many of whom weren't able to speak out for themselves. We are very grateful to the families and guardians for their support. Pullia presents a danger to children and we are very pleased our investigation has stopped her from being around any for a long time.'
