Scots mum in school gates punch-up ran over woman after feud turned violent

A Scottish mother was convicted of dangerous driving and hitting another woman after a violent feud between them escalated outside a school. Kristi Morton, 31, reversed her car into Danielle Smith, knocking her down following a punch-up at the school gates. The incident took place in Kinross, where the two mothers had clashed violently earlier in Green Park. Despite being found guilty of dangerous driving, Morton claimed that she was the one who was assaulted and left with injuries to her face.

During the trial, it was revealed that Morton’s white Audi cut across the road towards Smith and her friend, who were walking with their children. Despite attempts to avoid confrontation, Smith was struck by the car door, causing her to fall to the ground and sustain injuries. Morton, a mother of three, was placed on a curfew for three months and banned from driving for 12 months as a result of the incident. In addition to the dangerous driving charge, she was found guilty of behaving in a threatening manner towards Smith.

The court heard conflicting testimonies from both parties, with Morton alleging that Smith had tried to punch her through the car window. However, the jury ultimately found Morton guilty of driving dangerously and hitting Smith, while acquitting her front seat passenger of the same charges. The incident left Smith with physical injuries and emotional trauma, particularly as it occurred on the anniversary of her brother’s death in a car accident.

In sentencing Morton, Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC criticised her aggressive behaviour and highlighted the inappropriate nature of the altercation, which took place in a busy area where children were being picked up from school. Despite claiming self-defence, Morton’s actions were deemed reckless and unnecessary by the court. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of allowing conflicts to escalate to dangerous levels in public spaces, especially in the presence of children.

Insights:
The article provides a glimpse into a disturbing incident involving a feud between mothers that spiralled out of control, resulting in dangerous driving and physical harm. The repercussions of such actions not only led to legal consequences for the perpetrator but also left lasting trauma for the victim. It serves as a reminder of the importance of conflict resolution and responsible behaviour, especially in environments linked to children’s safety. The incident underscores the need for maintaining composure and seeking peaceful solutions to disagreements, rather than resorting to violence or endangering others.