A Swindon woman’s violent attack on a former friend left her victim ‘scared to go outside’.
Ashlee Colton walked into her former friend’s home armed with a metal pole at 2.30pm on 24 October last year alleging that she had written posts about her on Facebook.
The woman, who was with her 14-year-old niece at the time, denied the claim before the defendant punched her in the face. The victim then threw a glass towards her in a bid to scare her away.
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court, the 27-year-old pleaded not guilty to charges of using violence to secure entry, threats to commit criminal damage and assault by beating. At trial, she was found guilty of the assault but was acquitted of the other two offences.
In a statement, the victim said she has been unable to leave home for her own safety and cannot go into Swindon to see her family because she’s concerned about seeing Colton.
She said that she used to be a social person – but has since been prescribed medication for depression and anxiety.
The court heard that the defendant, of The Bungalows, Pinehurst, has a previous conviction for assault in 2016 and was sent to prison when a suspended sentence was activated in 2021.
Emma Thacker, defending, said that it was a fact of the case that Colton had a weapon but did not use it to assault or threaten anybody.
She said her client is working with the Nelson’s Trust, helping her stop her cannabis use. Ms Thacker said the unemployed defendant is applying for warehouse and learning work but either doesn’t hear back or is refused due to a large number of applications for the same job.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity days and 120 hours of unpaid work. She must also pay £150 costs and a £95 surcharge.
