A YOUNG mum attacked her ex-boyfriend's terrified mother in the street as the victim got cash from a dispenser.

Former drug user Nicky Stacey, 29, grabbed Mrs Sandra Howes by the neck, squeezed it and pulled at her T-shirt. Mrs Howes tried to appeal to a van driver for help, but the man would not get involved after the defendant told him the complainant was her "mother-in-law," Burnley Magistrates heard.

Mrs Howes was left scratched, bruised and had to take time off work due to stress after the assault in Padiham, last July.

Stacey's solicitor told the court the defendant had not seen her young son, who had lived with her former partner and the victim for two years. There was ill feeling between the defendant and complainant as Stacey felt "obstacles had been put in her way" over her efforts to see the little boy.

The defendant, of Hapton Street, Padiham, had been convicted in her absence of common assault.

She was given an 18 month conditional discharge by the bench who said the attack was unprovoked and they had thought "long and hard" about the options open to them. Stacey was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to Mrs Howes and £100 costs.

Joanne Shahzada, prosecuting, said Mrs Howes was at the Abbey National on Burnley Road when she looked round and saw the defendant.

Stacey grabbed her neck and ripped her T shirt and Mrs Howes, who tried to get help, thought she would be hurt. Police called to the scene found Stacey unsteady on her feet and slurring her words. In interview Stacey denied assault and said she may have grabbed the victim to get her balance.

Graeme Tindall, defending, said Stacey had no previous convictions for violence and had denied the allegation. Mr Tindall said there had been no repercussions since the offence which was a one off.