PERTH WOMAN EMMA ASPINALL SHOUTS ABUSE AT TODDLER IN PUBLIC POOL

A woman from Perth, Emma Aspinall, was fined £200 after a disturbing incident at Perth Leisure Pool that involved her verbally abusing a two-year-old girl in her care. The incident, which lasted approximately 25 minutes, took place in the busy café area of the swimming facility and left witnesses deeply shaken and disturbed by her aggressive behavior.

According to court reports, Aspinall, aged 28, engaged in a foul-mouthed tirade directed at the young girl, who was not named during the proceedings. Witnesses described how Aspinall repeatedly threatened the child with violence over minor actions, such as picking her nose. The prosecutor, Janine Bates, detailed the scene, stating, “A witness became disturbed by the accused's behaviour over a period of 25 minutes.”

Ms. Bates recounted that Aspinall was overheard telling the child, “Sit the f*** down before I kick you into next week,” and was seen screaming directly in the child's face, warning, “If you touch me, I will strike you back even harder.” The court was told that Aspinall also made threatening remarks about the child's nose-picking habits, saying, “Put your finger up there again and I will slap it up there permanently,” and, “If you pick your nose again, I will shove it so far up your nose that your brain will pop.”

Witnesses described feeling physically ill and shaken by Aspinall’s aggressive language and conduct. One witness, who was present during the incident, reported that she was so disturbed she felt sick and chose to distance herself from the scene. Another witness, a friend of the first, observed her shaking and heard Aspinall continue her threats, including a loud scream of, “I'll give you a black eye. Stop going on, you little s***.”

Throughout the ordeal, Aspinall was noted to have avoided direct interaction with the child, sitting with her head in her hands most of the time. When she did speak, her words were abusive and lacked any form of affection or concern. The court emphasized that the child was not behaving in a manner that justified such verbal abuse, and that Aspinall’s language was wholly inappropriate for a situation involving a young child.

It was also noted that Aspinall did not address the child by name and only turned to her to deliver insults. The witnesses reported that the child was simply tugging at Aspinall’s sleeve, seeking attention, but was met with threats and harsh words instead.

On March 17, 2009, Aspinall pleaded guilty to breaching the peace by using offensive language and causing fear and distress among the public. The court heard her admit to the charges, acknowledging her conduct was unacceptable. Her defense lawyer, Linda Clark, explained that Aspinall was going through a difficult period, having recently ended a relationship, and was “effectively at the end of her tether.” Clark expressed that Aspinall was embarrassed by her actions and hoped to learn from the incident.

In the end, the court imposed a fine of £200 on Aspinall, emphasizing the seriousness of her behavior and the impact it had on witnesses and the young girl involved.