'I had to pull my daughter out of school due to bullies - then they attacked me'

07 November 2023 , 11:59

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'I had to pull my daughter out of school due to bullies - then they attacked me'

A dad who pulled his daughter out of school after she was surrounded by bullies and kicked in the head says he became the teenage thugs' next target.

Jerome Foulger says the attack has left him a changed man after the teen "came at me like an animal." Now, almost nine months on, the family claims 16-year-old Phoebe's attackers escaped justice, while no charges have been brought against Jerome's alleged attacker.

Afraid to leave their Northfield home, the family say they've been left 'constantly looking over their shoulder' and young Phoebe has not been able to return to school, despite being in the 'top sets for everything', due to safeguarding fears. The family claims trouble began when Phoebe had been asked by the college to help 'look after' and 'befriend' another pupil.

Jerome Foulger with daughter Phoebe (Nick Wilkinson)

As she left the college for the day, she says a group set upon her for her mere association with the student, who reportedly had 'troubles' at another school. Speaking of the attack, she said: "They hit me with their phone in the face and were kicking me in the head. I did have a former friend there who was pulling people off me."

College security were reportedly called to 'deal with the situation' on the village green area on January 30. After her attack, which was reportedly videoed and sent onto them, dad Jerome began taking his daughter to and from college for her safety. He claims he then became a victim himself as he says he was targeted and 'hit full force' in the jaw by one of the students, Birmingham Live reports.

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The 45-year-old dad said: "A week after the attack, we were stood in Northfield, we'd just got off the bus, and were waiting for the no. 18. The bus pulled up, the guy got off the bus and hit me. I went down in the shop door way, I didn't know what happened at first, he was mouthing off and fists clenched, looking like he wanted to tear into me. Everyone else was surrounding us. This lad when I went to push him away, he hit me full force in the left side of my jaw. Initially at the time I thought he'd knocked a tooth out, then I started bleeding from inside my mouth.

An x-ray of his broken jaw (Nick Wilkinson)

"He was still in front of me very aggressively trying to goad me. I stuck my hands in my pockets, I knew on camera it shows I've not retaliated. He was like an animal coming at me. After he hit me, and attacked me, they proceeded to run off down towards McDonald's."

Police and ambulance attended the scene and he was checked over for his injuries, which, on the surface, seemed insignificant. "The next day, the swelling did flare up," he added. "I couldn't open my mouth, couldn't swallow, couldn't eat. I still struggle now eating and sleeping. I rang 101, took myself to A&E and within 10 minutes she was sticking a thing in my arm saying 'you're going for emergency surgery, he's done a good number on you."

Mr Foulger said the injury has had devastating impacts, with his jaw broken in two places, meaning he now has a pair of metal plates inside his face. "Since then I haven't been the same. I suffer with memory problems, forgetting things, forgetting people even. I struggle going out. The attack has really put me back. We're still waiting for CPS to make a decision."

As an electrician who worked with machines, he has had to sign off from work, "because of the magnets in his face." Volunteer work in the community has also had to stop because of his fear of leaving the house. They are living off her Phoebe's mum's wages alone, with the youngster trying to take on a job herself to help out with their income.

He has been left unable to work (Nick Wilkinson)

West Midlands Police said it investigated after a 15-year-old girl "suffered bruising and a cut to her face following an assault near South and City College." A spokesman said: "Officers worked with the victim, the teenage suspect and the college, and the matter was resolved with an out-of-court disposal with the victim and their family being kept fully informed. On 8 February a man in his 40s was assaulted in Bristol Road South at around 3.30pm. A 16-year-old boy has been voluntarily interviewed as part of our ongoing enquiries."

South & City College said it takes incidents on or near campus "incredibly seriously." A statement from the college read: "I would like to reassure you that any suggestion of incidents such as those you have described taking place on, or near our campuses are taken incredibly seriously. As neither of the incidents referred to happened on our College or Academy campuses, nor did they take place during teaching hours, we have limited scope to address the questions raised. For safeguarding reasons we are also unable to make comment about specific students.

"Our College campuses are welcoming, inclusive environments where young people and adults can thrive, and we have robust anti-bullying and safeguarding procedures in place including clearly communicated ways that students, staff and visitors can report any concerns they have, knowing they will be fully investigated and dealt with."

Stephanie Balloo