A WOMAN launched an attack on her neighbour after spotting her in a Hereford city centre Greggs shop, a court has heard.

Lauren Marie Holland admitted assaulting another woman by beating when she appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

The victim, who had known Holland for some years, had been in Hereford's Broad Street Greggs bakery when she was attacked on May 3, prosecutor Elizabeth Blacklock said.

Holland had walked in to the shop, telling the victim she was going to 'have her', grabbed her by the hair, and punched her in the face.

She was pulled from the victim by two men in the bakery and left.

The victim, who suffered scratches to her face, later told police she did not know why she had been attacked and that she was scared for her safety as she lives near Holland.

Holland is a regular offender and has a number of previous convictions, Miss Blacklock said, the most recent of which was for assaulting an emergency worker, for which she received a community order earlier this year.

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Philip Cornell, for Holland, said the 38-year-old's most recent conviction came after she kicked out at a nurse while being detained in Hereford's Stonebow Unit.

"She was homeless and living in a tent until February this year," Mr Cornell said.

"She has now been rehoused, and lives in the same block as the victim, but there have been no reports of further incidents."

Mr Cornell said the pair had known each other for around 20 years as their families lived near each other, and that the attack had happened after Holland was told the victim had gone to her father's house and had refused to leave.

"The victim's behaviour is an ongoing problem," he said.

"They both have behaviour problems and they are both being supported by mental health people. They are both in the same boat."

Holland, of Pomona Place, Hereford, was fined £120 and must pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.