A CHIPPENHAM college student joined a gang of girls in a revenge attack on a Corsham woman which spiralled into street violence.

Young mother Lucy Reaney joined three other gang members in an attack on the Weller Road flat of victim Julianne Rich.

Prosecutor Stacey Turner said the incident began with threatening phone calls and ended with the victim being repeatedly kicked in the head.

Reaney, 20, of Pockeridge Road, joined a hammer-wielding girl in carrying out a vandalism attack on the front door of Miss Rich's flat which turned to violence when the victim chased the gang into the street.

Miss Turner said a "melee" erupted outside in which Miss Rich was kicked in the head by one of the girls.

She said: "The defendant went to Miss Rich's home knowing the girl had armed herself with a hammer," she said.

"Other people living in the vicinity were troubled by the sound of what was going on. The incident on the whole was serious."

The revenge attack came after police released Miss Rich without charge in relation to a criminal damage allegation made by one of the girls. Defence solicitor John Elliott said single mother Reaney regretted being involved in the attack and was beaten-up by Miss Rich during the brawl.

He said: "My client was not part of the telephone calls.

"She didn't have any thoughts at all about the girl using the hammer.

"When she got to the bottom of the stairs and outside she was set upon by Julianne Rich.

"She was pushed to the floor and punched and she had bruises to her head and body and legs as a result."

Reaney, who pleaded guilty to causing harassment, alarm or distress at a Chippenham magistrates court hearing on Monday, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and told to pay £55 prosecution costs.

A Corsham girl admitted causing actual bodily harm to Miss Rich at a youth court hearing last week.

A 16-year-old Corsham girl denied causing harassment alarm or distress when she appeared before Chippenham magistrates' on Monday.

Her case was adjourned until June 17 when it will be transferred to Chippenham Youth Court.

Police are still waiting to quiz a fourth Corsham girl in relation to the attack.