Sister Pulled Out Clump Of Sibling's Hair

Wimbledon Magistrates Court

A young woman pulled out a clump of her sister's hair in front of police when officers were called to the family home on a domestic call on Christmas Eve, a court heard.

Atlanta Louise Chester, 21, of De'Arn Gardens, Mitcham was conditionally discharged for eighteen months when she appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court.

She pleaded guilty to assaulting Jade Taylor, 23, at the address in Singleton Close, Tooting on December 24, last year.

The court heard police were called to the address at 11.40am when Chester began rowing with her boyfriend.

Despite the presence of the officers Chester continued arguing and reached out and pulled a small handful of hair out of her sister's head.

The incident was captured on a police body-worn camera.

Chester was arrested and refused to answer police questions.

In her victim impact statement her sister said she was uncomfortable in her own home and that Chester had nowhere else to go and would always end up at the family address, which was a stressful environment.

Chester's lawyer Roz Olason told the court the victim had no other injury, but for the missing clump of hair and had withdrawn her police statement, but the Crown Prosecution Service continued regardless.

Chester claimed the offence was committed in the “heat of the moment” while under considerable stress.

She was rowing with her boyfriend and lashed out when upset about what was being said.