A mother has spoken out after her seven-year-old daughter was assaulted outside an Islington shop, leaving her traumatised.

Indiyana Wallace has been unable to sleep without the light on since she was hit in the face several times by Chantel McCarthy near her home in Hornsey Road, Archway.

The little girl had got out of her mother’s car to go into Costcutters when she was attacked on the pavement by McCarthy, who was drunk and had a suspended sentence for common assault hanging over her from the previous November.

McCarthy, 35, of Ashley Road, Crouch Hill, was arrested after the assault in January but was bailed unconditionally awaiting trial – which led to further torment for Indiyana who had a panic attack when she saw her through her mum’s car window.

McCarthy pleaded guilty to assault by beating at Highbury Magistrates’ Court last week.

Indiyana’s mother, Marlana Philips, said: “She was given unconditional bail so Indiyana could bump into her any time. I was disgusted with the way it was handled. If she had a suspended sentence for assault she shouldn’t have been let back out.

“Indiyana hasn’t been able to sleep without the light on since.”

McCarthy was on bail until April 3, when she was arrested for another assault, this time on a member of staff at her supported housing unit following a row over 60p.

Ms Philips said she was pleased that McCarthy pleaded guilty at the beginning of the trial, preventing her daughter from having to give evidence.

Chandrankant Solanki, defending McCarthy, told the court: “The defendant has a long-term drinking problem which has contributed to serious mental health issues.

“She is currently living in supported accommodation in Ashley Road – she doesn’t have an understanding of her actions.”

McCarthy was remanded in custody until sentencing on May 16, while a psychiatric report is prepared.