Colette Bielby, a 39-year-old mother-of-two with a history of violence, has been sentenced for a vicious assault on a 17-year-old girl in a Hornsea bar. The attack occurred on November 22 last year at around 12:36am in a restaurant and bar, Hull Crown Court heard.
The Attack
Bielby, of Trinity Road, Hornsea, first shoulder-barged the teenager towards the bar with force before punching her repeatedly, causing her nose to bleed, and pulling clumps of hair from her scalp. The court heard that Bielby had been speaking to a group of males and tried to interact with the victim's boyfriend, leading to the aggression.
Recorder Abdul Iqbal KC described how Bielby was grinding against the boyfriend before turning violent. The victim tried to push her away but Bielby persisted, causing the girl to stumble backwards and cry. Even after being escorted outside, Bielby approached the girl again while she sat on a bench, punching her in the face and causing pain and swelling.
Victim Impact
The teenager later said she felt terrified and scared, overwhelmed by shock. She has been left anxious and worried to go outside, with the assault affecting her mental wellbeing and causing lasting trauma. Recorder Iqbal noted the offences were mean, sustained, and targeted a vulnerable girl due to her age.
Bielby's Record
Bielby had 26 previous offences, including eight assault-related matters and a substantial history of making threats. She received a conditional caution in April for criminal damage and possessing an item for threats. Recorder Iqbal stated, "You have a history of using violence when it suits your purposes. The way you behaved, as you now accept, was entirely inexcusable."
Amber Hobson, mitigating, said Bielby made frank admissions to police early on and is wracked with remorse. "Her foolish moment of what can only be described as 'madness' has led to serious consequences," Hobson said. Bielby, who has two children and works three jobs, has stopped drinking alcohol to ensure no repetition.
Sentence
Recorder Iqbal sentenced Bielby to an 18-month suspended prison sentence, 100 hours unpaid work, and 20 days of rehabilitation. She must pay £1,000 compensation to the victim, £150 costs, and a £187 victims' surcharge. A five-year restraining order was also imposed.
