Published: Wednesday, 22nd October, 2008 7:30pm

VICIOUS DUO KICKED GIRL, 13, IN THE HEAD

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A 13-year-old schoolgirl was kicked in the head as she was attacked by a vicious duo in a shopping centre.

And a court heard this week that is was only by "luck" that the injuries sustained by the girl were not more serious.

Jade Terry Muir, 16, of Mains Drive, Erskine, and her cousin Gemma Hewitson Young, 17, of Glenmuir Drive, Glasgow, admitted at Paisley Sheriff Court to assaulting the girl.

The court heard how the cousins went up to the girl, who was in Subway in Bridgewater Shopping Centre, Erskine - and a slagging match began between her and Muir - with staff asking Muir to leave.

Muir refused and instead grabbed the girl"s scarf and punched her in the face.

The girl began to fight back but was dragged to the ground and both Muir and Young began kicking her in the head.

They were arrested and charged after police viewed CCTV footage. Muir"s defence agent said on the evening of December 23, her boyfriend phoned her from Subway telling her the girl was looking for her - and Muir could hear her shouting in the background.

The defence agent said: 'My client accepts she was the one to start the assault, but it was one of those fights where both parties were trying to get a fight started.'

He added that Muir was remorseful and was very ashamed to be in court for the first time.

Young"s defence agent said his client was visiting her cousin at the time, and had never met the 13-year-old girl before.

He said: 'She really had the misfortune to be with her when this telephone call was received. She also described her shock on finding out the girl was 13 - she had looked considerably older.'

The sheriff told both accused: 'Although Muir was the instigator, you both pled guilty to the same offence and should both receive the same penalty.'

He said that the girl had been fortunate not to sustain injury 'but that was more her good luck.'

He added: 'It is one thing to punch someone, and quite another to kick them in the head. The consequences could have been a lot more serious.'

Both girls were sentenced to 90 hours" community service to be carried out within the next 12 months.