A woman pulled lumps of hair out of the head of her dead father’s partner during an argument about inheritance. Jenni Blower, 38, overreacted after she was slapped by Melanie Thomas by assaulting her, a court was told.
The confrontation took place on the victim’s doorstep in Maesteg, South Wales after Blower turned up in the early hours of April 4, 2024. Ms Thomas had been in a relationship with Blower’s dad for 26 years before his death in 2021.
Cardiff Crown Court heard on Wednesday (September 2) that Ms Thomas slapped Blower to the face, which led to the defendant grabbing her by the face and dragging her outside to the pavement.
Emily Jermin, prosecuting, said Blower shouted abuse at the victim and pulled lumps of hair out of her head. As a result of the offences, the victim suffered injuries including scratches and bruising, WalesOnline reports.
Blower, of Maesteg, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The court heard she has previous convictions for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and battery.
In a victim personal statement read to the court by Ms Jermin, Ms Thomas said: “At the time of this incident I was at home when the defendant assaulted me… I felt she violated my home… I suffered depression and felt as if I was nothing.”
Ms Thomas said she has become a recluse, and suffers from nightmares and panic attacks, the court heard.
In mitigation, Josh Scouller, defending, said there was a degree of animosity between the victim and the defendant which runs both ways. He said Blower accepted her actions were extreme after being slapped in the face. The defence lawyer said that Blower regrets her actions.
Judge Hywel James said: “This was not a matter for physical violence, these matters need to be resolved by the courts if necessary.” He said alcohol was also a factor in this case.
Blower was sentenced to a 24-month community order. She was made subject to a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, an alcohol treatment requirement of nine months, a £250 fine, and a restraining order of two years.
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