Sittingbourne teaching assistant jailed for cruelty to pupils
Found guilty of child cruelty over two-year period
A teaching assistant from Sittingbourne has been sentenced to prison after being found guilty of child cruelty offences at a local school.
Danuska Pullia, 47, was jailed for two years, with an additional two years on licence, following conviction of four counts of child cruelty.
The offences spanned from September 2021 to July 2023.
Kent Police began investigating Pullia after witnesses reported her hitting, pinching, and spitting at pupils.
During a voluntary interview in July 2023, Pullia denied most allegations but admitted to spitting at a child and pinching another’s nose to remove plastic from their mouth.
Charged in December 2023, she pleaded not guilty to all counts.
In November 2025, Pullia was unanimously found guilty by a jury at Maidstone Crown Court.
Detective Constable Hollie Kent, who led the investigation, stressed the breach of responsibility by Pullia.
“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,” Kent said.
Kent expressed relief at Pullia's removal from situations involving children.
“Pullia presents a danger to children and we are very pleased our investigation has stopped her from being around any for a long time,” Kent added.