A SINGLE mother from Kidderminster who grabbed a woman by the throat and scratched her neck has been given a 12-month conditional discharge at Worcester Crown Court.

Deborah Brown got angry after an exchange of words with Anne-Marie Coleman.

The victim lived in a flat near the defendant's mother.

Brown, 22, of Wilton Avenue, Kiddermin-ster, pleaded guilty to common assault.

She was given a not guilty verdict on a charge of witness intimidation of the same woman.

Judge John Cavell told Brown she could not expect such a lenient penalty if there was a repetition of violence.