GAZETTE & HERALD: A 29-year-old Chippenham woman who pushed over her elderly landlord during a row has walked free from court without punishment.

Mum-of-three Lorraine Mitchell admitted assaulting David Buckeridge causing actual bodily harm.

The attack on her elderly victim took place on Wednesday, March 17 this year.

But without the case being fully aired in open court Recorder Ian Lawrie put her on an 18 month conditional discharge.

The judge, sitting at Swindon Crown Court, also decided she could not afford to pay any compensation to her victim.

That means that she will escape any punishment unless she is convicted of another offence during the next year and a half.

Mitchell, of Westmeads, Chippenham, was also accused of assaulting Timothy Buckeridge, but pleaded not guilty, and the Crown offered no evidence on that matter.

Mr Lawrie said "It's a push and injuries are caused by falling over. He is an elderly gentleman."

Ruth Armstrong, defending, said that her client had a no previous convictions and had sole care of her children aged 10, eight and 20 months.

She said that Mitchell, who had moved since the assault, had a weekly income of £37.50 and a number of debts.

Sentencing her Mr Lawrie said "I can deal with your case today. You have pleaded guilty to a disagreeable piece of behaviour.

"I don't much care what your background is to your disagreement with your then landlord.

"I take the view it arose from a push and he fell over, that is how he received the injury. If you had landed punches on him I would take a different view."