A part-time psychic has been cleared of attacking a north-east woman.
Joleen Smyth stood trial at Peterhead Sheriff Court on Monday, when she was accused of attacking fellow Fraserburgh woman Jade West by grabbing her hair and pulling her to the ground before delivering punches, scratches and even a bite.
It was alleged that the fight occurred outside the Balaclava Bar in Fraserburgh on October 22 last year after Smyth’s friend, Margaret Sutherland, bit one of Mrs West’s pals inside the pub.
Matters allegedly continued outside where Smyth was further accused of having made a comment knowing Mrs West’s father was dead, despite not knowing the family.
The 36-year-old, who offers psychic readings online, maintained her innocence throughout the four-hour trial and thanked the sheriff when told she was free to go.
The mum-of-four accused Mrs West and the two other Crown witnesses of making up the story about her communicating with spirits in a bid to damage her career and said it was instead she who was attacked on the night in question. During evidence, Smyth, of Park Street, fought back tears as she branded herself as “violated” on the the night of the allegations.
“I had a lot of injuries,” she said.
“I had chunks out of my hair and I lost two teeth.
“I had to put heaps of make-up on so my kids didn’t see the bruising. As for saying I said things about her dad, because of my line of work, they’re just trying to ruin my business.”
When it was put to her that she never contacted the police about her own alleged assault, she claimed she did not have the time to report it.
“I have a lot on my mind just now,” she said.
Hairdresser Sima Morrice, 26, and friend Jasmine Milne, 27, were both called during the trial to give evidence suggesting Smyth attacked Mrs West.
Despite this, Sheriff Christine McCrossan said she was not convinced about the circumstances of the alleged fight.
None of the Crown witnesses could explain how Miss Sutherland came to also be injured.
“I don’t know what happened that night,” she said.
“I am not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt and I find you not guilty.”