Barnsley scissors attack: Woman who threatened five-year-old girl jailed

Police said Osasere Isaac was "extremely cruel in her actions"

A woman has been jailed after threatening a five-year-old girl with scissors in Barnsley town centre.

Osasere Isaac grabbed the girl and tried to stab her with scissors while she was with her family in August 2023, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

Isaac, 30, formerly of Windermere Road in the town, admitted charges of false imprisonment and possessing a bladed article in a public place.

She was jailed for 11 years and eight months on Tuesday.

The court heard how she grabbed the child and shouted "This is my child now" in front of her family.

Members of the public had intervened after family members shouted for help, the court heard.

Investigating Officer Vick Stephanek of South Yorkshire Police called her actions "extremely cruel", saying: "This would have been a truly horrific incident for the victim and her family, and I hope this sentence provides them with the relief needed to move on with their lives.

"I would like to commend the bravery of her mother and grandmother during the incident, as well as their patience and dignity during a trying court process.

"I would also like to thank members of the public who witnessed and assisted in the incident, and came forward to provide evidence and support our investigation."