After barging into the house, the beautician throttled the neighbor over unfounded rumors of child abuse

In a dramatic incident fueled by a grave misunderstanding, 37-year-old beautician Natalie Shelley was involved in a physical altercation with Celine Woodfield, a 35-year-old event manager, in what appeared to be a misguided attempt at vengeance. Shelley, under the false impression that Woodfield was complicit in child sexual abuse due to allegations against Woodfield’s ex-boyfriend, took drastic measures that led to a violent confrontation at Woodfield’s residence, valued at £500,000.

Shelley, who shared a close bond with Woodfield as both a friend and neighbor, initially sought to address her suspicions through legal channels by contacting the police. However, impelled by a perceived lack of immediate action and advised that an officer would return her call, Shelley opted to confront Woodfield personally on June 29 of the previous year, told DailyMail.

This decision culminated in an assault wherein Shelley, described by acquaintances as ordinarily “gentle, placid, and loving,” resorted to strangling Woodfield and aggressively pulling her hair, actions that starkly contrasted her usual demeanor. The assault was interrupted and Shelley was removed from the scene by a friend of Woodfield’s who was present during the incident.

Although Woodfield did not sustain physical injuries, the psychological impact of the assault was profound, leading to significant trauma. This distress compelled Woodfield to relocate from her four-bedroom home in Hartford, Cheshire, a place she could no longer associate with safety and privacy. It’s important to note that neither Woodfield nor her ex-partner have been formally accused or charged about the initial allegations of abuse, and there has been no evidence to suggest that Woodfield was under investigation by the police for such claims.

In the aftermath of the attack, Woodfield articulated the profound effect it had on her mental health, highlighting an unprecedented escalation in her anxiety levels and a pervasive sense of paranoia concerning potential future confrontations with Shelley. Acknowledging the need for professional intervention, Woodfield expressed her intention to seek counseling or therapy when she felt mentally prepared to do so.

The case was brought before Chester Crown Court, where Shelley faced the ramifications of her actions, charged with assault and non-fatal strangulation. During the proceedings, Shelley exhibited visible remorse, shedding tears as the charges were read. The court handed down a sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment, which was suspended for 18 months. Additionally, Shelley was mandated to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and participate in 15 days of rehabilitation activities. A restraining order was also issued, prohibiting Shelley from contacting Woodfield for a decade.

The prosecution detailed the terrifying ordeal Woodfield endured, describing Shelley’s aggressive entry into Woodfield’s home and the subsequent physical assault. Despite Woodfield’s attempts to de-escalate the situation through conversation, Shelley’s actions escalated to physical violence, leading to a harrowing experience for Woodfield.

In her defense, Shelley’s counsel, Gareth Roberts, emphasized her profound regret and embarrassment over the incident. Highlighting Shelley’s background as a university graduate with no prior legal issues and her professional involvement in providing post-surgical cosmetic assistance, Roberts painted a picture of a woman who had momentarily lapsed into irrational behavior.

In delivering the sentence, Judge Simon Berkson characterized the attack as “nasty and determined,” admonishing Shelley for taking justice into her own hands. While acknowledging the unusual nature of Shelley’s actions given her character, Berkson underscored the lasting impact on Woodfield, urging Shelley to reflect on the consequences of her actions as she moved forward.