The schoolgirl who launched a violent happy-slapping attack on a younger child was hauled before the courts after the story appeared in Bexley Extra.

The paper's exclusive story, which carried graphic images of the attack, which was filmed on a mobile phone and posted on the internet, alerted the parents of the 13-year-old victim, who then contacted police.

They had no idea she had fallen prey to an older girl who repeatedly kicked and punched her in the head "for a bit of fun".

The alcohol-fuelled attack only came to light after our story and led to the police investigating.

Now, a 16-year-old girl from Dartford, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been sentenced after admitting the assault by beating.

The victim’s mother has welcomed the conviction and hopes it will bring closure to the family’s ordeal.

The 38-year-old said: "I am pleased because it is an end for us. Young people who go around causing trouble need to know there are consequences for their actions.

"As a mother, I think it’s important this girl has been brought to justice, but I do have sympathy for her family because it must have been a struggle going to court.

"We try not to think about it any more because we want to move on. We just hope this will be an end to it now."

Her daughter was at Danson Park, in Welling, with a group of friends at about 1.30pm, on September 29 last year, when her teenage attacker struck.

Toyin Odumade, prosecuting, said: "The victim was seated on the grass when a school friend said, 'She is going to punch you now. Hide your face because they are going to video it'.

"Without provocation she was hit hard across the face. A few minutes went by and the attacker came back and this time there was a sustained attack of kicking and punching."

A copy of the article was passed to Bexley magistrates.

The girl was given a four-month referral order and ordered she pay £50 compensation to the victim and £55 costs.