Danielle was so gentle - trusting the wrong people and getting bullied (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Danielle was so gentle - trusting the wrong people and getting bullied

11:00am Thursday 21st June 2007 in

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FOLLOWING the death of 17-year-old Danielle Johnson after she was stabbed and beaten in Palmers Green (see previous report and tribute site) Guardian reporter Sarah Cosgrove has interviewed her mother, Jan Johnson.

MOMENTS before I arrived at the home of Jan Johnson, the tearful mother had been watching a DVD of her daughter modelling.

"Danielle was an extremely pretty girl and she didn't realise it," said Ms Johnson, 41.

Danielle, a student at Waltham Forest College, enjoyed acting, dancing and photography, and had recently taken up modelling to help out fellow students at college.

"She just loved to experience everything," said Ms Johnson, although she added that Danielle's interest could quickly wane.

Although Danielle hated to do homework, she would help other students do theirs, and would volunteer to help out at home too, offering to make tea and clean the house.

She also acted like a second mum to her two younger brothers, Renelle, five, and Tyrelle, 18 months, regularly taking them to the park, shops and to visit friends.

Ms Johnson said one of the hardest things has been to try and explain to Renelle that his sister has gone to heaven.

"He asked: does that mean she won't take me to the park anymore?' "I said no and he really broke down. He was so upset. Then later he asked me how do you get to heaven?' I said I didn't know and he said: If you don't know, how can we visit Danielle?'"

Ms Johnson said that Danielle was more like a 17-year-old of 20 years ago than one of today. She tells of the time Danielle told off some youngsters she saw vandalising a hospital, and other times when she scolded speeding joyriders, telling them their antics were putting her little brothers in danger.

Ironically it could have been Danielle's character that led to her death: "She was so gentle. I think it was to do with her trusting the wrong people, she was just so trusting," her mum said.

Yet the horrible events of the past month have had one small positive effect - bringing the people of her community together.

Ms Johnson said: "The neighbours have been absolutely wonderful, I never thought that anything could bring this neighbourhood together."

DANIELLE'S troubles began when she moved from South Grove School in Ringwood Road, Walthamstow, to Heathcote School, Normanton Park Road, Chingford when she was 13.

"She was always getting bullied, she was mugged so many times," said Ms Johnson.

On one occasion teachers at Heathcote asked her to bring in dry clothes for Danielle. The bullies had urinated and spat into a bottle and poured it all over her.

Danielle moved to Rush Croft School in Rushcroft Road, Chingford, but relatives of the Heathcote bullies went there and so the torment did not stop, claimed her mother.

Mrs Johnson said: "One time a girl brought a BB gun to the school and pointed it at her head. When I called the school the teacher said she didn't know what a BB gun was. They didn't do anything."

The desperate mother went to see police around 20 times but was often told there was no point in prosecuting the culprits because they would get no more than a slap on the wrist.

At the request of the police, the family was put on the priority need housing list but years later they were still in Chingford. Danielle moved out by herself to stay in temporary accommodation, just four weeks before she was killed.

DANIELLE would still be alive if teenage bullies had not driven her away, according to her heartbroken mother.

The 17-year-old only moved to the area where she was killed to escape persistent bullying she had suffered since she was 13.

Her mother, Jan Johnson, who lives in Chingford, said she was a very trusting girl who cared deeply about people and would go out of her way to help, even taking strangers home for a cup of tea to cheer them up.

"She had a big heart. She would talk to someone and they would be her friend," she said.

But it was just this type of personality bullies at her secondary schools and college picked on.

"They used to beat her up because she didn't fight back, no matter what they said to her. She just wouldn't do it," said Mrs Johnson.

Danielle had global learning difficulties. She did not recognise danger and forgave easily which made her an easy target, according to her mother.

"I do blame the bullies for her death. If they hadn't have bullied her then she wouldn't have moved," she said.

A SPOKESWOMAN for EduAction told the Guardian: "EduAction is unable to comment on individual pupils and in this case, due to the short time frame, is unable to comment on behalf of the schools.

"However we are confident that both Rush Croft and Heathcote schools have anti-bullying policies in place which are implemented in a robust manner.

"Both schools have received borough training and support on bullying prevention provided by EduAction."

STUDENTS and staff at Danielle Johnson's college were deeply distressed when they heard of her attack and death.

Carol Gibson, principal of Waltham Forest College, Forest Road, said that the college "felt a real shock".

"I've talked to lots of the students and staff who knew her. She had a group of friends here who really, really cared for her.

"The students and staff are very distressed. Our heart really goes out to the family and her friends because this is just unimaginable," she said.

Mrs Gibson promised the college would plan a memorial if Danielle's parents agreed.

A GOLD necklace could be a vital clue in finding out exactly what happened the night Danielle died.

The 17-year-old who died after a viscous attack in Bounds Green always wore an 18-inch gold necklace incorporating the name Daniella as part of the chain.

The necklace was missing from her when she was found, but a charm which Danielle used to wear on the chain, was found.

Officer in charge of the case, Det Ch Insp John Macdonald appealed for anyone who has seen a necklace of that description to come forward.

Danielle's mother, Jan Johnson, also hoped someone would find it in their hearts to return the necklace so that her daughter could be buried with it. She said an identical necklace had also been stolen from Danielle in one of several muggings three years ago.

"Danielle had a lot of jewellery but that necklace meant so much to her. If anyone gave either of them back just so when she goes it goes with her, that would be something. I know Danielle really wants it back," she said.

*Do you have experience of school bullying in Waltham Forest? Call Sarah Cosgrove on the newsdesk on 8498 3454 or email scosgrove@london.newsquest.co.uk.