The father of a Blackpool schoolgirl whose school prom night was ruined by a bully who ‘tore her dress to pieces’ said he has been ‘overwhelmed’ after the town rallied round and organised a second party for her.
Jessica Robinson, 11, came home from her big night in floods of tears after a bully ‘repeatedly stamped on’ her £450 blue dress as others ‘filmed it and laughed’ while it was ripped apart.
The schoolgirl was left so distraught by the incident she ‘didn’t come out of her room’ and refused to attend school for the final two days of term.
According to her parents, the distraught youngster has been the victim of bullying for the last three years, according to her mother Micha Robinson.
Teachers did their best to repair the damage to the £450 blue dress, but Jessica was left inconsolable.
But like a ‘real-life’ Cinderella, the youngster was given the chance to have her special night again, with the Blackpool community coming out in force to support her and send a defiant message to the bullies.
Over a hundred burly bikers gathered outside the Robinson family’s home in the town as Jessica waited for her driver to arrive.
A local businessman drove the schoolgirl in a sky blue TVR to town centre venue Notorious for a party provided by the owner Libbie Cannon, who was moved by the schoolgirl’s plight.
The father of Blackpool schoolgirl Jessica Robinson whose school prom night was ruined by a bully said he has been ‘overwhelmed’ after the town rallied round to show their support
She shall go to the ball: Jessica was given the chance to ‘redo’ her prom after she came home from her big night in floods of tears
Over a hundred burly bikers gathered outside the Robinson family’s home in the town to act as chaperones as Jessica waited for her driver to arrive
The pack of leather clad bikers escorted the car through the streets of the town, roaring their engines and sounding their horns.
The bikers then gathered outside the town centre venue, roaring their machines as the guests arrived.
Geoff, one of the leaders from Setantii MCC, said to the Mail: ‘We just want to send a very loud and clear message to the bullies. And we will be keeping an eye on this situation. Jessica and her family have our full support.’
Jessica was the guest of honour at the ‘Ballgowns & Bravery’ event on Saturday which was attended by friends and family.
Proud dad Nico said to the Mail: ‘Yes we have been through it as a family after the prom. Jessica was inconsolable and spent a couple of days in her bedroom.
‘Her mum Micha was really upset too and it was a really difficult few days. The prom night incident came after years of bullying at school, which we did our best to deal with it. I work in higher education and work closely with OFSTED, so I know how the system works.
‘As a family we felt really let down by the school, and the prom night incident was the final straw.
‘Jessica we will be starting a new school in September which we hope will be a new chapter in her life. However we have been overwhelmed by the support offered by the local community in response to the prom night incident.
Jessica was the guest of honour at the ‘Ballgowns & Bravery’ event on Saturday which was attended by friends and family
The youngster was treated like a real-life princess and gifted flowers for her special night
The pack of leather clad bikers escorted the car through the streets of the town, roaring their engines and sounding their horns
The youngster was beaming as she saw the crowd of bikers turning up to support her
‘From Libbie who owns Notorious bar to the bikers and the community in general. I think we need a zero tolerance attitude to bullying across society, not just in the playground. This issue needs to be highlighted.
‘After today’s party we will going home to enjoy a takeaway tea as a treat. Jessica’s favourite is Subway.’
Local parents Antony and Emily came out to watch Jessica leaving her house in her prom dress.
Antony said: ‘We don’t know the family but wanted to come out and show some support. It’s hard being a parent these days and bullying is one of the many issues we have to deal with. But Blackpool has come out proud today to support Jessica.’
Libbie Cannon told the Daily Mail that the night was ‘incredible’.
She said: ‘The event was a beautiful success, filled with smiles, kindness, and an overwhelming sense of support.
‘The incredible turnout from the bikers was truly moving and left me quite emotional.
‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who came to stand with Jessica.
Jessica pictured before her primary school prom last month just hours before a bully ‘repeatedly stamped on’ her £450 blue dress as others ‘filmed it and laughed’
The distraught youngster has been the victim of bullying for the last three years, according to her mother Micha Robinson (right)
Cruel bullies stamped on her £450 prom dress and tore away at the material (pictured)
The schoolgirl was left so distraught by the incident she ‘didn’t come out of her room’ and refused to attend school for the final two days of term
The incident has been reported to local police and Jessica has since been in counselling
Jessica’s parents said they wanted to see a ‘zero tolerance attitude to bullying across society’
‘A huge thank you also goes to all the local businesses who generously donated their time and contributions to make the day so special.
‘All of us at Notorious were honoured to be part of such a meaningful event and together we proudly stand united against bullying.’
The incident has been reported to local police and Jessica has since been in counselling.
Lancashire Police has been contacted for comment.
