A teaching assistant who spat in a young pupil's face has been sentenced to four years in jail after a jury found her guilty of child cruelty. Danuska Pullia, 47, was caught on CCTV hitting, pinching and spitting in the faces of children at her Kent school between September 2021 and July 2023.
Interrogation footage reveals confusion
Footage from a police interrogation shows Pullia struggling to explain her actions. When asked why she spat in a child's face, she told the investigating officer: 'She spat at me first I didn't react, she did it again, I didn't react. I don't know why I did the third time though.' She added: 'I can't remember why I did it no. I spat, not really in her face. I don't know why I did it. But I know she did it to me – maybe twice.'
Colleagues reported multiple incidents
Another colleague reported witnessing Pullia pinch the nose of a different pupil who had stolen food from another child. When asked about this, Pullia said: 'Yes I pinched his nose so I could take the chocolate out of his mouth.' She admitted she had no training to carry out such acts.
Denial and conviction
In a voluntary interview in July 2023, Pullia denied most of the allegations or claimed they did not happen as reported. She was charged with four counts of child cruelty in December 2023 and pleaded not guilty. However, in November 2025, a Maidstone Crown Court jury unanimously found her guilty of all charges.
Police statement
Investigating officer Detective Constable Hollie Kent said: 'Pullia was entrusted with the care of vulnerable children and utterly failed in that responsibility. Her actions have had a lasting impact on her victims, many of whom weren't able to speak out for themselves as to what happened. We are very grateful to the families and guardians of the children affected for their support throughout our enquiries. Pullia presents a danger to children and we are very pleased our investigation has stopped her from being around any for a long time.'
Pullia, of White Satin Close, Iwade, was sentenced to four years in jail.
