Victim of bullying attack speaks out

Updated 15.54 Mon Sep 24 2007

A schoolgirl, who endured a vicious attack from bullies, has spoken about the moment she thought she was going to die.

Bethany James' mother took this graphic photo as Bethany was in hospital to show the horrifying damage that can be caused by bullying.

"When it was happening, at one point I thought I was going to die" - Bethany James

Bethany spoke about the beating she endured from two teenage girls after a visit to a local video shop near her home in Bradford.

The 15-year-old described how she was kicked and punched as she lay on the ground, saying:"When it was happening, at one point I thought I was going to die."

Her mother, Tracey, first saw her injuries when she arrived at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

"I couldn't believe what she looked like. it was absolutely horrific to walk into a casualty ward and see your child in a cubicle in that kind of state," she said.

By speaking about her ordeal Bethany is hoping that other victims will be able to stand up to bullies, saying: "People need to speak out about it."