A Post office worker who launched a glass attack to defend her boyfriend in a pub fight has been spared a jail sentence.

Joanne Heaney reacted instantaneously to punches by throwing the glass at Cy Garrett in the Green Dragon in Evesham.

It hit him on the head causing superficial cuts.

Mr Garrett, who had been assaulted three years ago, had punched her boyfriend following a long-standing grudge, said Alex Warren, prosecuting.

Heaney, aged 21, of Martin Avenue, Hampton, Evesham, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

Recorder Neil Cameron said he could avoid prison because she was of previous good character and her attack was not premeditated.

Community

He ordered her to carry out 200 hours unpaid community work and pay the victim £250 compensation. She must also pay £200 court costs.

The recorder pointed out that Mr Garrett had drunk a considerable amount of alcohol after playing in a football match.

"This was an instantaneous response to provocation when you saw your boyfriend attacked," he said.

"You do not pose a risk to others in the future."

Heaney hurled the glass on Sunday, February 10 this year. She also pushed Mr Garrett in the back, Worcester Crown Court heard.

She was employed by Evesham Post Office and was a voluntary helper at a residential home for the elderly, said Mr William Rickarby, defending.

He argued that it would have been a tragedy for the defendant and her family if she had been sent to custody.

In custody

A MAN has been remanded in custody on a charge of an affray in Hartlebury, near Kidderminster.

John Gaynor, aged 36, of Ringwood Drive, Frankley, admitted threatening violence to Mark Doe.

Other charges of assaulting Mr Doe and causing him actual bodily harm and damaging property in a house at Torton Villas, Hartlebury, on December 4, 2000, were not proceeded with at Worcester Crown Court.