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SARNIA -- A mother was convicted yesterday of assaulting a youngster at a primary grade basketball game because her child wasn't getting the ball.
The 37-year-old, who had worked as a school-yard supervisor, pleaded guilty to the assault that took place during a city school sporting event in June 2008.
She was sentenced to a year of probation.
During the basketball game involving pupils in Grades 1, 2 and 3, the woman left the spectator area and went onto the court.
The mother was upset because it appeared that her child was being overlooked by her teammates, the court heard.
She grabbed a player in the neck and told the youngster to pass the ball to her child.
The frightened child fled the area, but wasn't injured.
Justice Deborah Austin said the woman's actions went far beyond what's reasonable.
Defence lawyer Robert McFadden sought a discharge because the incident was "so out of character" for his client. She surprised herself by stooping to that level, he said.
The woman, who told the court, "I can't believe I did that," was granted a discharge.
If she successfully completes the probation, she won't have a criminal record.
The woman must do 40 hours of community service, take anger management counselling and stay away from the child and the family.
The parents of the victim are concerned about further difficulties, the court was told.
Austin said a probation officer could ban the woman from any location if there are more problems.
The woman said she has avoided the family but still takes part in extracurricular events.
She is a first-time and "hopefully last-time offender," Austin said.