Violence erupted unexpectedly in the VIP section of a UB40 concert in Newcastle when a family dispute turned physical. Selina Charlton, 44, of Flemming Court, Haltwhistle, Northumberland, assaulted her step-aunt during the event at Leazes Park in August last year.
Assault Details
The victim, who identifies as Charlton's step-aunt, was seated in the VIP area waiting for the concert to begin when Charlton approached her and punched her in the face. Prosecutor Rachel Butt described the attack as coming 'out of nowhere.' Charlton then dragged the victim by her hair, pulled her backward off the chair, and kicked her while stating she had waited a long time to do this.
Aftermath and Injuries
Other concertgoers shouted for Charlton to stop, and her partner eventually pulled her away. Security removed Charlton, who was shouting threats to kill the victim. The victim suffered a black eye, bruising to her face and legs, and lost some hair. In a victim impact statement, she expressed feeling shaken, scared, and frightened to go out, constantly watching over her shoulder.
Legal Proceedings
Charlton, who has 25 previous convictions including assault, pleaded guilty to assault by beating. She was also in breach of a 16-month suspended prison sentence for dangerous driving. The court sentenced her to an 18-month community order with an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement and fined her £500. A five-year restraining order was imposed due to the 'bad blood' between the parties.
Defense and Remorse
Defense lawyer Helen Towers noted that Charlton's actions stemmed from a background of trauma and a mental disorder. Charlton expressed remorse, acknowledging that the assault did not relieve her anxiety or symptoms. The judge emphasized the necessity of the restraining order given the ongoing family dispute.
