A DRUNK woman who had to be pulled away from the man she had assaulted has been given a 12-month community order.

Maria Singh, 57, of Akers Way, had downed a large bottle of rum during the drinking and smoking session at a friend’s house on December 16, Swindon Magistrates Court was told.

The assault happened after she asked for another cigarette and was refused, prosecutor Anna Humphreys said. She then lunged at him. The police were called and when they arrived they had to forcibly remove her hand from him.

Singh, who has previous convictions for being drunk and disorderly and resisting police, admitted assault. Sambreen Arif, defending, Singh had not drunk since New Year’s Eve and had sought help. She had started going to the Nelson Trust where having a coffee and a chat prevented her drinking.

As part of the community order Singh was told to do 15 rehabilitation activity days at the trust. She was also told to pay court costs of £85.