Woman jailed for encouraging and assisting assault in Ashford

A woman who pleaded guilty to intentionally encouraging and assisting the commission of an assault near Thomas Knyvett College in Ashford last year was sentenced to 20 months in prison when she appeared at Guildford Crown Court today (13 May).

Winnie Connors, 40 (DOB 2/11/1983), from Stanwell, pleaded guilty to the offence at an earlier hearing on 4 September 2023.

The other defendants involved in the attack at the junction of Stanwell Road and Salcombe Road on the afternoon of 6 February 2023 included the main defendant, a 16-year-old girl, who pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at an earlier hearing in October 2023.

The court heard how, two weeks prior to the assault, the defendant’s sister had been involved in a verbal argument at school with one of the victim’s friends. The argument escalated after the victim stepped in to protect her friend.

Two days later, at around 2.15pm, the victim was leaving school when she noticed the defendant and a woman, Winnie Connors, walking towards her. The defendant moved towards the victim, grabbed her hair with both hands and ripped a section from the front of her head. The victim was then dragged to the floor and was trying to fight back by grabbing the defendant’s hair and punching her.

Connors and two younger girls, as well as the defendant’s friend, none of whom can be named for legal reasons, were also heard encouraging the defendant during the assault.

The attack lasted around two minutes and was captured on video.

Police were alerted to the incident by a phone call from the headteacher at the school reporting that the victim had been punched multiple times and was in a headlock.

They responded swiftly and initially arrested five people at the scene on suspicion of attempted racially aggravated grievous bodily harm, including a 40-year-old woman, a 17-year-old girl, two 11-year-old girls and a 43-year-old man.

The main defendant (the sixth person involved), left the scene but was subsequently interviewed under caution after handing herself in to police. She pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was given a 12-month Youth Offender Panel referral order and a restraining order and was ordered to pay £300 compensation.

The 17-year-old girl pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm in relation to the same offence. She also pleaded guilty to assault by beating in a separate incident involving a 15-year-old friend of the victim, and was given a 12-month Youth Offender Panel referral order and ordered to pay £30 compensation when she appeared at Guildford Magistrates’ Court on 25 October 2023.

No further action was taken against the man or the two 11-year-old girls.

North Surrey Detective Superintendent Tim Shaw said: “This attack was extremely concerning and upsetting for the victims, their friends and family, as well as for the wider community. In this instance, the entire assault was captured on video and the footage was widely circulated on social media. The violence in the video generated widespread shock and outrage, including a protest outside the school two days after the incident.

“Ensuring that those involved in this attack were held accountable for the part they played on the day has been a long, complex and painstaking process but we have remained committed to seeing this through.

“A significant number of officers and staff were involved with both the investigation and ongoing engagement with the local community. Those officers and staff found the case as distressing as the public did but despite this, worked tirelessly to build a case to present to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to deliver justice for both victims.”

Det Supt Shaw added: “From the start of this case, we worked closely with our partners, including education and the local authority, while keeping other stakeholders and the public updated on progress where this was possible. This has led to stronger relationships which have benefited us in our role in preventing as well as detecting crime, while also maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in our ability to keep them safe and keep them feeling safe.”