By Alex Davidson
A white Breezy Point mother was arrested Saturday on charges that she allegedly hit a 12-year-old Hispanic child on the legs with a wagon after yelling racial slurs at the girl and her mother in what the Queens district attorney characterized as a hate crime.
But the attorney for the defendant claimed his client was attacked first by the child’s mother and that any resulting injuries were because she was just trying to defend herself.
Donna Harding, 41, of 44 Reid Ave., was charged with assault, aggravated harassment, criminal possession of a weapon and endangering the welfare of a child, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said Monday. Harding faces up to four years in prison if convicted, Brown said.
“Bias-related crimes threaten the safety and welfare of all citizens, inflict on victims incalculable physical and emotional damage and tear at the very fabric of free society,” the district attorney said. “They must be prosecuted and punished with appropriate severity.”
Harding is alleged to have yelled “hateful and offensive language” at the child and her mother while they were walking near 200 Oceanside Way, according to the criminal complaint. Five hours after that initial incident at 198 Bedford Ave., the district attorney said, Harding again saw the Hispanic child and her mother, allegedly yelled racial slurs at the pair and then took the wagon and hit the child’s legs.
Brown said the child sustained bruises, swelling and substantial pain from the attack allegedly committed by Harding.
But Raphael Scotto, Harding’s lawyer, said his client was attacked by friends of the unidentified Hispanic mother and daughter after an earlier argument started in a nearby bar. Scotto said the mother choked Harding and ripped off parts of her dress.
“We do not think they (the charges against Harding) are true,” he said in a phone interview.
Scotto said he spoke with the district attorney’s office and is working to resolve the case with Brown.
Police from the 100th Precinct arrested Harding Saturday following the incidents, Brown said. She was arraigned in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Michael D. Aloise and released without bail, Brown said.
Aloise set a return court date for Harding on Aug. 6, Brown said.
Reach reporter Alex Davidson by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
