A woman has been given a curfew after a drunken assault on another female who would not pay for her wine in a Felixstowe off-licence.

Alison Tibbenham, of Beach Station Road, Felixstowe, admitted assault by beating when she appeared before Ipswich magistrates.

The incident occurred as West End Stores in Langer Road on July 6.

Prosecutor Lesla Small said several witnesses saw the assault on Tania John.

Tibbenham had gone into the shop and was apparently drunk.

The 48-year-old wanted to buy some wine but did not have enough money.

Tibbenham asked for credit, but the store owner refused because she already appeared to have consumed too much alcohol.

The court was told Tibbenham was not aggressive, but remained in the store.

When other people came to the till she asked if they would pay for the wine she wanted.

Magistrates were told Miss John came into the shop, chose some items and went to the till.

Tibbenham approached her in order to see if she would buy her some wine.

When Miss John refused Tibbenham’s attitude changed.

She became verbally abusive and there was an exchange of words between the pair, the court heard.

At one stage Miss John put her hand in front of her to push Tibbenham away as she thought she was going to hit her.

Miss John asked for police to be called because she feared she was going to be attacked.

Magistrates were told both women continued a verbal exchange, before Miss John was pushed backwards with a lot of force by Tibbenham and fell into the wine shelf.

Tibbenham then threw punches towards Miss John’s head as she cowered in the foetal position.

Miss John grabbed a bottle of wine and struck out towards Tibbenham connecting with her head.

Tibbenham left the store making threats towards Miss John.

Magistrates gave Tibbenham a community order with a four-month curfew from 6pm to midnight daily.

She was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to Miss John.