A woman who spat on another woman during an argument has been fined.
Rebecca Middleton pleaded guilty to assault by beating moments before her trial was due to start at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Friday (17 March).
The 41-year-old, of Benwell Close, Westlea, previously denied the charge – changing her plea as witnesses in the case arrived to give evidence in proceedings.
Prosecutor Tom Power said the defendant was involved in a “confrontation” following an argument about probate arrangements on 12 August 2021.
During this, Middleton spat on a woman – with the spittle landing in her hair.
The incident resulted in the victim having “concerns about disease transmission”. Mr Power said her primary concern was that she may catch something [Covid] from the defendant.
The victim, whose mother lives at the address where the assault occurred, said she now fears visiting the address over worries that she may bump into Middleton.
Mr Power said she was “greatly affected” by the incident.
Mark Glendenning, defending, said his client lives next door to the victim’s mother – who is elderly and suffers from mental health difficulties. She visits her regularly to provide emotional support and do errands around the house.
He said Middleton accepts – on a reckless basis – that spittle landed on the victim whilst she was shouting at her. Mr Glendenning said she was unaware of her mental health issues and offers her apologies.
The defendant has her own mental health issues and is keen to put the matter to an end, he added.
The magistrates accepted the assault was “not a deliberate act” but said they understood the concerns of the victim, especially given that Covid levels were high at the time.
They imposed a £108 fine, £85 costs and a £34 surcharge. No compensation was awarded to the victim over fears it would “aggravate things”.
