An Onchan woman who assaulted a former friend in a long-running feud has been fined.

Alexis Storm Gelling, of Nursery Avenue, admitted slapping the woman, who was on crutches, after a row over posts on social media.

The row, which took place on the steps at the back of the Strand Shopping Centre, in Douglas, ended with both women on the ground scuffling. Magistrates ordered the 36-year-old to pay a £200 fine and £100 compensation to her victim after she pleaded guilty to an offence of common assault.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court that the victim said she had just come out of Markwell House with a family member when she was confronted by Gelling.

She said that Gelling launched a verbal tirade at her, accusing her of posting comments on social media.

The victim said she tried to calm the situation and walked away to the back of the shopping centre but Gelling followed, continuing with her verbal abuse.

The woman said that Gelling’s husband was trying to calm Gelling down and get her to leave but then began struggling with her husband.

Gelling was then said to have slapped the woman who was on the steps, which resulted in them both falling onto the ground where Gelling continued to hit the woman about the face and head. A passing member of the public then separated the women and Gelling left the scene before police arrived.

On December 20 she attended police headquarters for a voluntary interview and admitted confronting the woman over social media posts.

Gelling admitted the assault and said that she was too upset to view it on CCTV footage.

A probation report said the incident had been the culmination of a long-running feud between Gelling and a former friend.

The report said Gelling was unsuitable for community service.

Advocate Matthew Wilshaw asked for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea and her admisssions to the police.

’This was an unfortunate incident which stems from a long-running feud,’ said the advocate.

’The straw that broke the camel’s back were comments made outside the Strand by the complainant. Fortunately the victim didn’t suffer any serious injuries.

’Words used were horrible and she reacted but she accepts she overreacted.’

Mr Wilshaw said that Gelling and her family were struggling financially and a financial penalty would be no easy option as it would hit her hard.

Magistrates ruled that no costs be imposed.