Daily Mail
May 17, 2014
A mother-of-two mauled a stranger in the street punching her 30 times and biting her hand in a zombie-like ‘biting’ attack so she could get an education in jail, a court heard.
Former hairdresser Amelia Williams, 33, of Toxteth, Liverpool, had wanted to get better qualifications but she did not want her ‘hard working family’ or the state to pay for her to go on a course.
Instead she randomly ambushed Sharon Bentley, 54, punched her 30 times in the face, then sank her teeth into the victim’s hand as she screamed for help – not realising taxpayers would be funding a jail education anyway.
Her counsel Paul Lewis said his client carried out the attack, in Kensington, Liverpool, because she did not want the state to fund a college course.
But he added: ‘She has failed to register that the state would pay for her time in jail anyway. The motive for this attack is peculiar.’
Administration worker Mrs Bentley who had been waiting for a bus put up a fight as Williams also tried to snatch her handbag.
The terrified victim clung onto the bag and the struggle became so violent it spilled out into the middle of the road and into the path of traffic.
The attack ended when a passing taxi driver stopped to help the victim and followed Williams until she was arrested nearby.
Williams – who has a record for violence – claimed she carried out the attack ‘as an attempt at education’ she hoped to get behind bars.
But as she began four and a half years in jail, Mrs Bentley, who is now scarred for life issued a statement telling of her ordeal.
She said: ‘There is no easy fix to this and it is just a waiting game.
‘Since the attack, I have barely moved out of my home. I am frightened to go out. I am due to return to work at the end of the month which I have to do. I don’t know how I am going to commute to and from work.
‘I have always used public transport and I can’t afford to get taxis. I tend to wake up throughout the night every hour or so.
‘I have relived this attack from start to finish and find myself in an emotional mess on quite a few occasions.’