A woman has been sentenced for carrying out a hammer attack in Swindon town centre.
19-year-old Imani Clarke pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon following the incident outside McDonald’s in Wharf Green in February 2022.
Kate Prince, prosecuting, said the defendant got into a confrontation with a 17-year-old girl before producing a hammer and brandishing it towards her.
The victim was struck with the weapon multiple times as she attempted to disarm Clarke, sustaining a laceration to her head and bruising to her face and chin.
Stephen Collins, defending, said his client has been “keeping herself out of trouble” since the incident.
He said that Clarke claims the victim made homophobic comments towards her, which caused the confrontation. She brandished the weapon hoping it would cause the other girl to go away.
“She had the hammer in her possession, but she doesn’t quite understand why”, Mr Collins added.
“She did not intend to cause harm… but she accepts injuries were caused recklessly.”
He told the court that Clarke is currently living with her father, which is “not an ideal situation” and she is seeking employment but her health is preventing her from working at present.
The defendant, of Fareham Close, Swindon, was handed a 12-month community order with the requirement to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.
She must pay £250 compensation to the victim, a £120 fine and a £95 surcharge.
