Jail threat after boozy bar brawl

Published on 29th March 2007 in News

A Howden woman who punched a bar manager in the face while she was drunk has been told that further violence will land her in prison.

Amanda Midgley (20), of St Johns Street, appeared in Goole Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to a charge of assault by beating.

Prosecutor Julie Laverack Glanville told the court that on Friday, February 2, bar manager Christine Hibling was at work in the Bowmans Hotel in Howden.

She saw Miss Midgley, who had been barred from the hotel, in the bar with a male companion and requested that the defendant leave immediately.

In response, Miss Midgley leaned over the bar and attempted to scratch Miss Hibling's face.

Miss Hibling then went round to the other side of the bar to escort her off the premises.

The defendant swore, and at one point fell over as she was escorted to the door.

At the door, Miss Midgley punched the bar manager on the left side of her face, causing minor bruising.

Police later arrested the defendant in Howden and described her as "heavily intoxicated".

In a subsequent interview, Miss Midgley was unable to recall any of the events of the previous evening and said she had had a few glasses of wine.

In her defence, Miss Midgley said: "I don't usually behave in that way.

"I'm trying to stop drinking and I've started a new job.

"I'm at work until nine, ten at night so I won't be going out."

Magistrates gave her an 18-month discharge and ordered her to pay £75 in compensation and £55 in costs.

She was told: "If you continue doing what you're doing it's highly likely you will go out through the other door and not go home for a considerable amount of time."