A 37-year-old woman was this week sentenced to 100 hours’ community service after admitting disorderly behaviour on licensed premises.

Stephanie Marie Newton was also banned from entering licensed premises, and buying or being sold alcohol for three months after the incident at the Haven pub.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that police were called to the Port Erin bar on August 14 at 11pm after a report of an assault.

The alleged victim said that Newton had punched her during a row at the pub.

The designated official was said to have stepped between the two women and Newton had left.

Police went to Newton’s home in the Edremony Estate, Port Erin, where she was arrested. She said that she had an continuing dispute with the woman concerned.

When interviewed at police headquarters Newton handed in a prepared statement admitting arguing with the woman but then answered ’no comment’ to all questions.

The court heard that she has a conviction in 2016 for affray and assault in 2011.

A probation report said that Newton denied punching the woman, saying that it had been a ’slap’.

When asked how drunk she was on a scale of one to 10 she replied ’five or six’.

The report said that Newton was involved with the Drug and Alcohol Team and had said she was currently signed off work suffering from anxiety and depression but was willing to do community service.

Defence advocate Paul Glover stressed that his client was charged with disorderly behaviour rather than any assault.

’There has been an ongoing dispute between the two ladies,’ said the advocate. ’Ms Newton accepts being disorderly.’

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes gave Newton credit for her guilty plea and told her: ’Offences on licensed premises are always considered more serious. Fortunately the designated official stepped in or it could have been considerably worse.

’I’m sure it was your intoxication more than anything else.’

Newton was also ordered to pay £50 prosecution costs at a rate of £10 per week deducted from benefits.