Suspended sentence for woman

A SOUTH Gloucestershire woman who assaulted a 12-year-old boy with a paddle on a riverbank has been given a suspended jail sentence.

Fay Johnson, aged 32, admitted a charge of causing actual bodily harm to Antwon Forrest and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court in January.

Avon and Somerset police said Antwon suffered an injury to his head during the incident on the banks of the River Avon in Brislington last March.

The court heard a group of up to 30 children on the riverbank had been throwing mud and rocks that hit passing boats, canoeists and paddleboarders on the water, including members of Johnson's family, and she had gone to confront them.

During an altercation she hit Antwon, who suffered a wound that left a scar.

The court heard there was no evidence Antwon was one of the children who threw anything.

Johnson was arrested but police then decided no action should be taken "based on the evidence gathered at the time".

That led to a campaign by relatives of Antwon, which was shared on social media along with video of the incident and images of his injury.

A police spokesperson said: A review of evidence, including new video footage, statements and a re-examination of 999 calls, was launched as senior officers became aware of the "significant public concern".

In addition to the four-month suspended jail sentence, Johnson has also been ordered to pay Antwon £500 in compensation.

Chief Inspector Mike Buck said: "We recognise the strength of community concern following the initial outcome of this case and the perception that Antwon was treated differently because of his race."