A 31-year-old woman who got into a fight with her neighbour over a treehouse has been sentenced to 80 hours’ community service.

Victoria Jane Ross, of Ballaradcliffe, Andreas, admitted two counts of common assault after grabbing the woman by the neck and an exchange of punches, during which the woman’s 18-month-old child was knocked over.

Prosecuting advocate Barry Swain told the court how Ross went to her neighbour’s house on September 15 at 8.30am.

A treehouse which was said to border both their properties had been removed by the neighbour.

An altercation took place, which involved Ross grabbing the woman by the neck and punches being exchanged, during which the woman’s infant child was knocked over.

Ross entered a basis of plea saying she was upset about the treehouse being removed and had gone to talk to her neighbour about it. She said words were exchanged and admitted she had lost her temper.

The toddler was said to have been taken to hospital but suffered no injuries.

Defence advocate Ian Kermode said: ’You might characterise the incident as a storm in a treehouse.

’In essence this is a neighbourhood dispute which spiralled out of control.

’Ms Ross noticed the treehouse, built by herself and her family, had been removed.

’That play structure had been there for five years. Therefore it was a cherished object straddling the boundary hedge.

’Ms Ross was upset and went to find out what had gone on. She didn’t go with any intent to cause physical harm.

’Clearly removing that treehouse was a provocative act.

’This was a spontaneous act whereby a verbal exchange has spiralled into an unseemly brawl.

’She accepts she was the initial aggressor prior to being punched herself.

’Ms Ross had to move out and for the last seven months she’s lived in a rental cottage.’

Magistrates also ordered Ross to pay £125 prosecution costs which she will pay at a rate of £40 per month.