A 13-YEAR-OLD girl stopped an assault on her pregnant sister by kicking the teenage attacker in the shins.

Magistrates heard how Julie Davies assaulted a pregnant mother in a Trowbridge shopping precinct in a row over child negligence rumours.

Davies, 19, of Fleece Cottages, glared repeatedly at the heavily pregnant victim in the build-up to the attack in Castle Place precinct on November 18.

Lynn Swain, prosecuting, told magistrates on Thursday how the victim was a former friend of Davies' younger sister.

The attack started in the precinct when the victim, who was six months pregnant, her teenager sister and another friend walked past.

Davies shouted death threats towards the victim before launching into the assault in the shopping precinct.

Mother-of-three Davies stabbed her fingers towards the victim making contact and causing her to fall backwards.

Mrs Swain said the 13-year-old kicked Davies' shins to stop the assault.

The victim said in a police statement she was doubled over in pain as a result of the stress and was fearful for her baby's safety.

Nicola Jennings, defending, said there was provocation from the victim in the build-up to the assault.

She said rumours had been circulated about Davies leaving her three children home alone, which she believed had stemmed from the victim.

Miss Jennings said Davies saw the victim walk away from the scene laughing.

Davies, who admitted common assault, was ordered to pay £50 compensation and £55 costs.