Mother went to aid of gang fight daughter

A MOTHER who went to rescue her daughter from a gang battle ended up fighting herself, a court heard.

Deborah McKay had gone to the aid of daughter Katie, who was involved in a fight between two gangs of girls. Witnesses allege Deborah McKay had joined in the fight and was seen to kick or knee Claire Smith.

McKay, aged 33, of Ainsworth Road, Little Lever, appeared at Bolton Crown Court to stand trial. She denies assaulting Claire Smith occasioning her actual bodily harm on November 4, 2000.

Prosecutor Richard Heap said a bonfire had been planned that night but it was called off after it rained and people then went to the White Horse pub. While inside some girls from rival gangs used the toilets and McKay was told her daughter was involved in a fight outside.

She went outside and joined the fight trying to help her daughter. She was allegedly seen by several witnesses to knee or kick Claire Smith in the face.

Smith was left with bruising and cuts to her face and police went to interview her at her home before recommending hospital treatment. But Smith did not make a formal complaint until almost a month later in December.

(Proceeding)