A MOTHER was left with a bald patch and bruising to her face and neck when she was attacked in front of her two young children.

Sharon Milverton was assaulted by Rachel Wilkinson at her home as she was preparing to take her children – aged four and six – back to their father, who is Wilkinson’s brother.

The defendant claimed she was provoked and punched in the face before she tore out a chunk of her victim’s hair and kneed her twice in the face, Worcester Magistrates Court was told.

But Kerry Lovegrove, prosecuting, said Wilkinson’s version of events was not accepted. She told the court Ms Milverton had collected her children from her ex-partner’s home on Sunday, October 7, as per their custody arrangements.

Miss Lovegrove said as he left her Worcester home to take them back that afternoon, she was confronted by Wilkinson.

An argument ensued and the defendant grabbed Ms Milverton by her hair, pulling her to the ground, and kneed her twice in the face before punching her in the side of the face.

Miss Lovegrove said the assault unfolded in front of Ms Milverton’s children and she suffered injuries including a bald patch on her head, as well was bruising and swelling to her face and neck.

Wilkinson pleaded guilty to one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at an earlier hearing. Paul Stanley, defending, said his client was of previous good character and had no convictions or cautions.

He said the 38-year-old had pleaded guilty on the basis she was hit first and stood by her account of the assault.

Mr Stanley told the court there was a “difficult situation” around Ms Milverton and Wilkinson’s brother, who has custody of the children, and there was a “long history” surrounding collection arrangements.

He claimed there was a “degree of provocation” which led to the assault.

District Judge Nigel Cadbury sentenced Wilkinson, of Keswick Drive, Warndon, Worcester, to a 12-month community order with a supervision requirement and an activity requirement to attend Asha Women’s Centre.

She must also observe a curfew between 9pm and 7am for eight weeks, as well as pay £100 compensation to her victim, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.