A family gathering in Neston, Cheshire took a shocking turn when a mother, dealing with a painful breakup, lost control and attacked her own sister and niece.
Deborah Jeffs, a 52-year-old mother of two who manages a dog-sitting business, found herself embroiled in a violent altercation after an evening of drinking at her sister Donna Rumsey’s home on May 6.
Escalating Tensions Lead to Assault
The trouble began when Jeffs, distressed over a recent relationship breakdown involving allegations of domestic abuse, accused her sister of stealing her phone, which she couldn’t locate.
In her inebriated state, she lashed out physically, grabbing Donna’s hair, scratching her face, and hitting her with a kitchen chair, inflicting bruises on her sister’s back and stomach.
Niece Becomes a Target
When Donna’s daughter, Faye, attempted to step in, Jeffs turned her aggression toward her niece, punching her in the mouth and splitting her lip.
In a particularly distressing move, she dug her nails into Faye’s face and made deeply hurtful remarks, saying that her family “hated her” and even claimed Faye’s boyfriend “didn’t love her.”
Legal Consequences and Restraining Orders
At Warrington Magistrates’ Court, Jeffs pleaded guilty to charges of assault and criminal damage.
She was sentenced to a 12-month community order and ordered to wear an alcohol abstinence tag for 80 days.
Additionally, a restraining order was put in place, barring Jeffs from contacting her sister or niece for a year.
She was also ordered to pay fines totaling £449, including £250 in compensation to Donna.
Statements Reflect Family Pain and Distrust
The incident left a deep psychological impact on the family.
Donna expressed that Jeffs’ attack caused ongoing physical pain and emotional distress, leading her to feel unsafe around her once-trusted family member.
Faye, who already suffers from mental health challenges, was shaken by her aunt’s behavior, saying the incident had left her emotionally distressed and unable to work for several days.
An Act of Remorse and Steps to Change
Jeffs’ lawyer, Mark Evans, highlighted her genuine remorse, explaining that she was overwhelmed by the impact of the breakup and the weight of prior abuse.
He noted that Jeffs is actively working to address her drinking and emotional issues, expressing deep regret for her actions.
Jeffs has since offered to provide additional compensation and has acknowledged the emotional toll her actions have taken on her loved ones.
A Tragic Turn for a Previously Law-Abiding Woman
Magistrate Stephen Storey described the incident as “a very sad case” that underscores the tragic effects of unaddressed trauma and substance abuse on families.
Jeffs, who had no prior record, now faces the difficult task of repairing her life and relationships.
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