A white Muslim woman accused of smashing a teacher

A white Muslim woman accused of smashing a teacher’s head through a door has denied laying a hand on her alleged victim.

Bristolian Emma Nugent, 22, who appeared at the Old Bailey in full Islamic robes, is said to have branded Christine Mullen ‘a dyke’ before launching the frenzied attack.

Miss Mullen, 41, was left with a broken shoulder at the women’s hostel where the pair were temporary residents.

Nugent today (Thurs) told the court she had only met Miss Mullen once at the hostel on Bell Street, Marylebone, London.

She said they had talked about relationships between men and women and claimed Miss Mullen disagreed with her point of view and stormed out.

Nugent is said to have followed the alleged victim from the hostel’s TV room and thrown her to the floor before driving her head through the door.

But Nugent insisted she might not have even been in the building at the time of the incident.

‘I have my own television in my room so there was never reason to be in the TV room – I have only been in that room once,’ she said.

‘I spent very little time in the hostel.

I would eat, sleep and shower there but spent the rest of my time out.

As for the night in question I can’t remember where I was.

‘I am telling the court the truth when I say I did not assault Miss Mullen.

‘I have only ever spoken to her on one occasion and that was in one of the kitchens.

I remember saying ‘men and women should be one’ and she disagreed.

I have never called her a dyke.

‘

The court heard how following her arrest, Nugent simply told the police: ‘I wasn’t there and I’ve got nothing to say about it’.

In cross examination, prosecutor Orlando Gibbons asked the defendant of her whereabouts that evening – she repeatedly said: ‘I cannot remember’.

Mr Orlando said: ‘You lied to the police and you are lying to this jury aren’t you? It was you who flung Miss Mullen against the fire door wasn’t it?’

‘No it wasn’t,’ stoney-faced Nugent replied.

Nugent, of St Nicholas Road, St Pauls, denies assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The trial continues.

ends