Thao Dang flew into a wild rage when she spotted her boyfriend innocently chatting to the female neighbour next door as they returned home.
Dang with Mr Lowe outside court. (Image: Cavendish Press (Manchester) Ltd)
A Vietnamese migrant who beat up both her boyfriend and neighbour for chatting to each other has walked free from court after blaming Western “cultural mannerisms” for her meltdown. Thao Dang, 40, slapped Nicholas Lowe across the face and grabbed Shannon Jones by her hair and kicked her after spotting them chatting last December 16th.
Warrington Magistrates Court heard jobless Dang later told police the innocent encounter between the two neighbours was not typical of her upbringing in Vietnam. Inquiries revealed she a string of convictions for assault and had had previously been in court for assaulting her boyfriend Mr Lowe.
But she walked free with a restraining order and 150 hours unpaid work after the court heard Dang struggles not only with English but also understanding UK “culture and mannerisms.”
She admitted two charges of assault after appearing with the aid of an interpreter and Mr Lowe to support her. She was allowed to pay the £120 compensation to Ms Jones at £5 per week.
JP Lynn Colter-Howard told Dang: “We are aware of your financial situation so with regard to the compensation we will allow you pay that at £5 per week and the first payment within 56 days.
“If you are not in a position to make that payment you must contact the court.
“This is a court not a charity. If the court awards £5 per week then it must be paid. If it cannot be paid you must contact the court.”
It is not known whether the victims suffered any injury but Miss Jones said the incident left her feeling “fearful” and made her feel afraid to go outside her own home.
The incident occurred last 16th December when Dang claimed Miss Jones got “too close” to Mr Lowe when talking to him outside their homes.
Prosecutor Olivia Randell said: “The defendant was frustrated by Shannon’s actions and went inside the flat where the defendant started hitting herself out of frustration.
“Two unnamed upstairs neighbours became involved but the defendant says Shannon grabbed hold of her coat and the defendant pulled Shannon’s hair.
“The defendant has also kicked out catching Shannon when she did so.
“After the situation ended with Shannon, the defendant went over to speak with her partner and she admits that she slapped her partner because of the conversation with Shannon.
“Shannon states that the incident has left her feeling fearful. It made her afraid to go outside which she used to do frequently before this incident.”
Pictured is Dang with Mr Lowe outside court. (Image: Cavendish Press (Manchester) Ltd)
In a basis of plea, Dang said: “I was coming home with my partner when Shannon was sitting outside her home which is next to ours.
“Shannon started talking to my partner and even when my partner tried to open our door she got close and continued talking to him.”
She had nine previous offences on ger record offences including assault from January 2022, April 2022 and June 2023.
In September 2023 she was conditionally discharged for 18 months after she assaulted Mr Lowe in another incident.
Her solicitor Alex Dunn said: “The key point that should be noted and is obvious is that Miss Dang struggles with understanding English, not just the language but also the culture and mannerisms.
“While this is not an excuse it goes some way to an explanation for her actions both on this and the previous occasions.
“As she is Vietnamese her upbringing has brought with it a different explanation and understanding with regards to resolving conflicts and matters.
“Miss Dang is willing and prepared to engage with the probation service. She understands that she needs support to deal with her actions and behaviour and to learn what is appropriate and suitable.
“She is not in receipt of any benefits and is not in employment of any kind. She is solely reliant for her support both financially and for shelter off friends. She is currently awaiting council accommodation with her partner.”
