Violent Kidderminster sisters jailed (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Violent Kidderminster sisters jailed

1:58pm Thursday 19th November 2009

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TWO violent Kidderminster sisters who tried to get their aggressive dog to bite a 22-year-old woman during a drunken attack were both sent to detention by a judge at Worcester Crown Court.

Victim Heather Woulfe was kicked 10 times in the head by Jolene and Roisin Murrihy before the Staffordshire bull terrier was brought into the room.

Miss Woulfe gave evidence that as she lay curled up in a ball, the sisters held her down and instructed the dog to "have her".

Fortunately, the family pet refused to obey the instruction and a man at the house intervened and stopped any further action, said Kerry Moreton, prosecuting.

A bottle was thrown at Miss Woulfe and her hair was pulled before she escaped and went to a neighbour's for help.

Jolene Murrihy, 20, of Windsor Drive, Kidderminster, and Roisin Murrihy, 18, of Hawford Avenue, Kidderminster, were both sentenced to eight months custody.

Judge John Cavell said they had carried out "a vicious and sustained attack" on the defenceless victim.

He added: "There was a real threat of setting an aggressive dog on her. Drink is no excuse for this sort of violence. It must have been a terrifying ordeal for that young woman."

The judge said neither of the sisters had expressed regret for their behaviour - and Jolene had claimed the victim was to blame.

He heard evidence last month after he refused to accept the basis of their guilty pleas to assault causing actual bodily harm.

Miss Woulfe had been lodging with Jolene Murrihy because she was homeless but on March 14 the younger sister began an argument and the victim was knocked off a chair before being punched and repeatedly kicked.

She suffered extensive bruising to her face, ears and eyes.

Jolene Murrihy had a record for battery, affray and threatening behaviour.

Her sister had breached a supervision order for an attack on a 15-year-old schoolgirl she had hit in the eye.

Abigail Nixon, defending, said the sisters had been brought up in "a climate of violence" and had witnessed their mother being beaten up.

"They had no role model in their formative years. When faced with difficulties they react with their fists," she said.

Jolene, the mother of a 15-month-old baby - and pregnant with a second child - had an alcohol problem.

Roisin lived with her mother and had a job but suffered from anger outbursts.

Miss Nixon said the sisters were both terrified of going to custody.

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