Ellie Mason, 20, of Arkle Road, Birkenhead, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on July 13, 2026, for a violent assault on an underage teenager outside a nightclub. The attack occurred in the early hours of December 27, 2024, outside The Beach nightclub in Birkenhead.
Details of the Assault
Mason, then 19, recognised the victim, who had been refused entry for being underage, standing outside with a friend. She began making vomiting noises and mocking her from inside the club before leaving between 2am and 2.30am. Prosecutor Caleb Suggit, appearing via video link, told the court that a verbal argument escalated as Mason approached the victim in an aggressive manner.
Mason kicked the victim three times in the stomach, dragged her by the hair to the pavement, and pulled her hair so hard that it came out by the roots. She also punched the victim several times on the arms and back, kicked her in the stomach again, and punched her multiple times in the face while shouting. Mason further threatened to smash the windows of the victim's home.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
The court heard that Mason had previously been of good character. Defence lawyer Holly Menary argued that a custodial sentence was not necessary, stating, "She was only 19 at the time of good character, a custodial sentence is not entirely necessary in this case for Ms Mason. Yes the offending was horrible but there is work she can do in the community that can punish her for what she has done."
Recorder Andrew Vinson addressed Mason, who sat in the dock dressed in a black blazer, black top, black trousers, and Adidas trainers. He said, "It is safe to say this offending as described is horrible; it was an assault of various different aspects. This will have left your victim, no doubt, severely concerned, injured and effected. There can be no condoning this behaviour and there can be no legitimate explanation for what you did."
Vinson noted two mitigating factors: Mason's age at the time of the attack and her lack of maturity, as well as her "degree of remorse." Mason was initially charged with racially aggravated assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but pleaded guilty to occasioning actual bodily harm, which was accepted by the prosecution as no racist language was used.
Sentence and Restraining Order
Mason was handed an 18-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation days and 130 hours of unpaid work (reduced from 200). She also received a five-year restraining order and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge. The court was supported by Mason's family in the public gallery.
