A MOTHER-of-two used a mop handle to beat up a drunken man she found lying in a pool of vomit on her lounge floor when she returned home.

Emma Croucher had also been drinking heavily, Worcester Crown Court heard, and her anger spilled over in a "vicious and prolonged" attack.

The 26-year-old had left home at 4pm on Friday, March 22, to go drinking, said William Rickarby, prosecuting. Two friends were in charge of her young children.

At 9pm, neighbours became concerned because the children were still running around and they contacted her.

When she returned after drinking six pints, she found her two friends had disappeared and Wayne Lewis lying drunk.

After hitting him seven times with the mop handle, which eventually broke, she began to kick him.

Her victim ran out of the house pursued by Croucher, who continued to assault him until police arrived.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to a cut near his eye, bruising and grazes.

The attack was out of character, said Guy Spollon, defending. Croucher had been under the influence of drink and had released a great deal of pent-up emotion in the attack.

Croucher, of Albert Street, Droitwich, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm and was ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work for the community.

She was also made the subject of a two-year community rehabilitation order, on condition she attends a female offender's programme. She was ordered to pay £250 compensation to Mr Lewis.

Judge Ian Morris said Croucher had showed poor judgement in leaving her children in the care of friends while going out drinking.

She returned to find them with someone who was very drunk. Her anger had resulted in the vicious and prolonged attack.