A FRESHER who had "just arrived in Worcester" was attacked by a woman in an alcohol fuelled assault.

William Richards, a University of Worcester student, was hit by Gemma Payne on Saturday, September 16.

Payne, 22, of Swaledale Court, Warndon, was swearing and shouting in Shaw Street when she spotted Mr Richards looking at her and lost her temper, slapping him with the back of her hand.

Mr Richards had just arrived in the city ahead of Freshers Week, which officially started on Monday, September 18.

Peter Love, prosecuting, told Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, said: "At 11.20pm Miss Payne had been shouting and swearing in the street.

"A university student celebrating Freshers Week in the city, who had just arrived here, came across her.

"At this point Miss Payne said 'What you looking at, big man?' and slapped him across the face with the back of her hand.

"She then tried to kick him in the ribs, which he blocked.

"A police officer saw the incident and Payne ran off along Farrier Street where she was arrested.

"As she was being put in the van she kicked backwards and caught Sergeant (Peter) Frankish in the stomach.

"When she was interviewed, she said she had been drinking all day in Kidderminster and got the train back to Worcester.

"She could not remember assaulting Mr Richards when she was interviewed, but remembered kicking out at Sgt Frankish.

"Mr Richards suffered soreness around his eye socket. He had just arrived in Worcester and he didn't feel good about the incident."

Barry Newton, defending, said Payne had alcohol problems and was remorseful for the attack.

"She has admitted that she has had problems with alcohol and was very apologetic for her actions," he told the court.

"She pleaded guilty at the first opportunity."

Payne was given a six-month community order with 10 rehabilitation days as well as a curfew from 7am until 7pm for six weeks, which will be electronically monitored.

She was ordered to pay costs of £135, a victim surcharge of £85 and £50 of compensation both to Mr Richards and Sgt Frankish.

Payne admitted the charges of assault by beating and assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty.

A University of Worcester spokesman told the Worcester News that students were generally safe in the city.

"These incidents are very rare, with Worcester being one of the safest cities in the country," the spokesman said.

"The university is fully committed to ensuring that this continues and has two dedicated Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and trained security, who regularly patrol our sites, helping to prevent crime and working very positively alongside West Mercia Police and the local community.

"We would encourage students to report any issues as soon as possible to the police and to engage with the range of support offered by the university, including a counselling service, to help students on these rare occasions.”