Mother who encouraged child's fight sentenced

The Delaware County mother who police said "flunked Parenting 101" when she was captured on a cellphone video instigating a fight between her daughter and another juvenile has pleaded guilty.

Michele Davenport, 45, of Clifton Heights, was sentenced to four years' probation and 80 hours of community service by Judge James F. Nilon after she pleaded guilty Monday to simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.

She was also ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation, according to court records.

The viral video showed Davenport as she let loose with an expletive-filled tirade insisting that the 12-year-old girl and her daughter duke it out. The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon in March at the Primos Elementary School playground.

Police said Davenport contended that her daughter, who was not injured, was the subject of bullying. The other girl sought treatment after the assault. She had a concussion, facial swelling, and stomach pain, according to court records.

The victim told police that neither she nor the defendant's daughter wanted to fight.

Other girls who were at the playground at the time also appeared to encourage the fight and complain they were bored when the action halted. One girl could be heard saying, "I don't want to watch this."

None of the other girls used their cellphones to call police.