WOMAN, 39, HIT EX-FRIEND OUTSIDE SHOP

Mum upset after death in the family

FOUL-MOUTHED mum Samantha Washington dragged a woman out of a shop and attacked her in the street – after being ‘mocked’ over the death of a loved-one.

The 39-year-old pulled the victim’s hair and tried to bang her head against a wall during the assault in Smallthorne.

Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard the victim was walking into a shop on Ford Green Road when she was confronted by Washington, who was a former family friend.

Prosecutor Emma Thompson said: “As she entered the shop the defendant attacked her. The defendant dragged the injured party out of the shop and continued to assault her by attempting to bang her head into a wall and pulling her hair.

“Miss Washington was shouting abuse and swearing at the injured party. The injured party managed to get away, fortunately without any injuries. She said it was an unprovoked attack.”

The court heard Washington was arrested and interviewed following the August 10 assault. She told police she ‘couldn’t help herself’ when she attacked the victim.

Washington, of Fell Street, Smallthorne, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating when she appeared in court.

Hayley Keegan, mitigating, said Washington was distressed due to a family bereavement and had received some ‘mocking’ text messages about it, which had upset her further.

Miss Keegan said: “Miss Washington reacted completely out of character. It was the culmination of the distress she was going through and being the recipient of these text messages. She is remorseful. She has been able to avoid all contact with this lady since the incident.”

Magistrates handed Washington a 12-month community order which includes a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement. She was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the victim, plus £135 court costs and an £85 victim surcharge.