Woman jailed for choking 14 year old who escaped through flat window

Karen Gray carried out the attack at her home near Shawlands in October 2021

Shawlands in the southside of Glasgow.

Published 11th May 2023
Last updated 11th May 2023

A woman who choked a 14-year-old girl that later fled from a flat window has been jailed for 18 months.

Karen Gray, 34, attacked the girl at her first floor home near Glasgow's Shawlands in October 19, 2021.

Gray lashed out after an argument over the girl's mobile phone.

The incident took place five years after Gray was convicted of a previous assault on the girl when she was nine.

She avoided custody on that occasion but was jailed today for her latest offence.

Earlier she pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting the girl to her injury and danger of life.

The court heard from her advocate Gillian Ross who stated there had been "many many" disagreements between them.

She said: "On the day there was an argument over the girl's mobile phone.

"It was a school night and Miss Gray wanted her to go to bed and then tried to take the mobile from her, being angry at her.

"What happened was a row took place which became physical with Miss Gray acting in the manner as described in the charge."

The court papers state Gray repeatedly dragged the girl by her hair and pinned her to the ground.

She went on to seize and compress the girl's neck which restricted her breathing.

Gray sat on top of her body then repeatedly struck her on the head and body.

The girl had to flee out of a window.

Gray sent text messages to her the following day which was a breach of her bail conditions.

Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull said: "The gravity of this offence is not lost on me.

"The offence you pled guilty to is the most serious.

"You had the protection of not going to prison before and in this case there is no alternative.

"This was an assault to injury and danger of life, it is fortunate nothing more came of it."

Gray wept as she was led into the cells from the dock.