Mother admits punching son's principal

An enraged mother who punched her child's primary school principal has pleaded guilty to assault in Masterton District Court.

Cara Janeen Leveridge, 40, was sentenced to community work, issued with a trespass notice banning her from the school and ordered to take anger management counselling, The Dominion Post reported.

Masterton Primary School principal Sue Walters was punched on the jaw after being bailed up against a pillar in front of five staff and at least six children last week.

"When somebody is shouting into your face and swearing and you are aware that there are not only five staff members present but children as well, it becomes a difficult situation," Ms Walters said.

Leveridge had arrived in the school's office at 9.15am upset about a fist-fight her son had been involved in with another child during the previous day's lunch break.

While trying to calm the situation, Ms Walters was punched in the jaw.

Leveridge, who has previous convictions for assault and disorderly behaviour, was sentenced to 120 hours' community work and six months' supervision, including anger management counselling.

She has since enrolled her son elsewhere.

- NZPA