A woman who grabbed a school principal by the throat after being called to collect her daughter has appeared in court charged with assault.
Melissa Byrne called to Errigal College in Letterkenny, Co Donegal on September 26th, 2018 after her child had become involved in an argument with another student.
When the 37-year-old mother arrived at the school, she was met by principal Charlie Cannon.
After removing books from her locker, the girl ran past the principal.
An altercation then took place between the woman and the school principal which saw Ms Byrne grab the school head by the throat with both hands.
She then pushed Mr Cannon as dozens of other schoolchildren fled.
Ms Byrne appeared at Letterkenny District Court where CCTV footage of the attack was shown to the court.
Gardaí arrived at the scene a short time later and Ms Byrne was arrested.
The court heard that just weeks before the attack on the school principal, the accused also attacked two other parents outside the school.
Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told how on September 6, 2018, Ms Byrne became involved in a fracas with other parents outside the school campus at Kilmacrennan Road.
She grabbed the hair of Ann Marie Coleman with one hand and used her other hand to scratch down her face causing bleeding, cuts and bruising.
She then assaulted a second woman, Catriona Warnock, grabbing her hair, pulling her head down and punching her three times to the face. The injured party received injuries including a cut lip.
Neither woman required medical attention, however.
Solicitor Patsy Gallagher said his client was anxious that CCTV footage of the incident was played in court and maintained that she reacted to “what she perceived to be an altercation” between Mr Cannon and her daughter.
“She interceded wrongly and inappropriately but these were exasperating circumstances for her,” said Mr Gallagher. “It is only fair to all parties that the CCTV is played.”
Mr Gallagher said there had been a “general melee” outside the school which was “unsightly and uncalled for.”
He added that Ms Byrne from Whitethorn Grove, Letterkenny is not the only one to face charges from this situation.
“We must also be cognisant that these are all parents, grandparents, colleagues and friends in the vicinity of one school. There are still young teenagers involved here and this may have an effect into the future,” he added.
Judge Paul Kelly adjourned matters for the preparation of victim impact statements and for Ms Byrne to engage with the Probation and Welfare Service for the preparation of relevant reports.
He also said he might explore the option of restorative justice in the case. Ms Byrne is due back before Letterkenny District Court on April 6.