Woman spared prison after nightclub attack

Rebecca Bernard

Rebecca Bernard was spared imprisonment after attacking two men at Bojangles nightclub, in Rochdale Town Centre, due to her "dedication" to her children. Her 12 month sentence was suspended for 18 months; she was also given a 12 month supervision order and required to have mental health treatment for 18 months.

The hearing at Bolton Crown Court was told she smashed a bottle over one man's head and stabbed a second man in the arm with the bottle, in April 2011.

Ms Bernard wrongly believed that the men were laughing at her and mocking her, and ran onto the dance floor to begin the attack. She suffers from schizophrenia and claimed she heard voices in her head. Ms Bernard was drinking on the night of attack, and it has been suggested that this worsened her condition.

Ms Bernard admitted assault and malicious wounding.

Judge Charles Bloom QC stated that her “dedication” to her children saved her from prison.

Ms Bernard has previously been issued an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for harassment and intimidation, playing loud music, large groups of youths congregating at her property, drunken and rowdy behaviour, verbal abuse and public order offences.

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/3170/rebecca-bernard-antisocial-behaviour-order