Telford woman beat up her boyfriend's ex in nightclub

Harriet Harlie Cheshire launched herself at the woman after a night out drinking, a prosecutor said.

The 28-year-old repeatedly punched the victim and appeared to kick her, after she believed she had been dancing too close to her group in the Duke Box nightclub in Market Street, Oakengates, Telford, on July 5.

Prosecuting, Mr Mike Phillips said the victim had been forced to take two days off work to recover from the attack, which left her with bruises to her face, eyes, nose and cheek and cuts to her lips.

Reading a statement from the victim, Mr Phillips said the attack had "left her stressed and unable to go out".

"It almost feels like I can't enjoy myself anymore," the victim added.

Cheshire, of Woodrows, Woodside, pleaded guilty to one charge of assault by beating when she appeared at Telford Magistrates Court. The court heard she had no previous convictions. She received a two-year conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £150 compensation to the victim and a total of £250 court costs.

For Cheshire, Mr Oliver Nicholas said the defendant was "appalled at her actions" after viewing the attack on CCTV. He said the defendant had previously suffered from domestic violence and felt that "nobody should have violence inflicted on them".

Cheshire had also said that "no woman should ever have to fight over a man", said Mr Nicholas.

The court was told that Cheshire, a forklift truck driver, only drank around two to three times a year.

"Mixed messages and the alcohol has led to her acting completely the wrong way to this person," said Mr Nicholas.

He said that Cheshire had offered to write to the victim or speak to her in person to apologise.