A WOMAN assaulted her ex-partner on New Year’s Day after he was said to have tried to get cash off her to buy drugs, a court heard.
Hutchinson, who suffers from depression and was described as vulnerable, admitted assault by beating. The defendant (23), of Farrer Street, Nelson, was given a 12-month conditional discharge by the Bench, who said they believed she was provoked. She had no previous convictions.
The hearing was told the incident took place just after 11 p.m., after the defendant had been persuaded to go to Mr Southworth’s home.
Mr Keith Rennison, for Hutchinson, said she accepted she had gone a little bit too far. When she was interviewed, she had bruises to her wrist. Mr Southworth wanted to borrow money to buy amphetamine.
The defendant suffered psychosis depression, sometimes heard voices and was on medication. She was under the care of the mental health team. A further factor playing on her mind was the death last July of her brother, which had had a profound effect upon her and made her depression worse.
Mr Rennison said Hutchinson was on incapacity benefits. He added: “She is a vulnerable person and she can be preyed upon.”