A REVELLER who punched a woman in the face and broke her nose after a fracas in a nightspot has been given a suspended prison sentence and been ordered to pay £1,000 compensation.
Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard on Friday how Teresa Robinson, 48, of Nottingham Road, Ripley, assaulted Susan Hague while the victim had been enjoying an evening out with her daughter and her daughter’s friend at the The Crib bar in Ripley.
Robinson, who has a previous conviction for intimidating witnesses and a caution for common assault, pleaded guilty to assaulting Ms Hague during the incident in February.
District Judge Andrew Davison had warned her before sentencing that he regarded the incident as serious enough to justify a custodial sentence.
The court deemed that only custody could be justified after considering evidence which included a DVD of the assault and details about the offence involving one punch to the face in a largely unprovoked incident involving alcohol.
Becky Mahon, prosecuting, had outlined how a large fight had taken place with numerous people and Ms Hague said “a female with blonde hair” came for her and as she grabbed her hair and she received a blow to the side of her face and her nose.
The court heard how Ms Hague had been left shaken by the assault and needed to go to Derby Hospital where she had to have her nose straightened.
Defence solicitor Chris Hallas had argued the victim’s and her daughter’s account of the incident did not entirely match the CCTV footage which is why the court considered a DVD of the incident. He also explained that Robinson originally refused to comment to police after the incident because she panicked but she later admitted the offence.
Robinson was sentenced to a 24 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months. She must also comply with 12 months of supervision, participate in an alcohol-related activity requirement and be subject to a 12 week curfew.