Mum-of-two from Bassingham jailed after knocking woman unconscious in ‘horrific’ attack in Lincoln

A mother-of-two from Bassingham who kicked and punched a woman unconscious during a ‘horrific’ attack in Lincoln was today (Monday) jailed for 12 months.

Melissa Walker, 21, punched the victim, Samantha Webster, to the floor and then repeatedly aimed around seven punches and seven kicks to her head and back.

Lincoln Crown Court heard Walker even continued the attack with another punch after Ms Webster, 39, regained consciousness.

The court was told Walker had been drinking with her own grandmother and Ms Webster at the Birdcage pub in Lincoln.

Walker became abusive when the three women returned to her grandmother's home in nearby Cannon Street and said to Ms Webster: "Come on, we will take this outside."

Ms Webster was punched to the floor by Walker and then repeatedly punched and kicked to the head.

Walker's grandmother witnessed part of the attack and described seeing seven punches to Ms Webster followed by seven kicks to her head and back.

Walker's grandmother rang 999 after Ms Webster fell unconscious and despite coming round was again punched by the defendant.

In a victim impact statement Ms Webster said she continued to suffer from regular flashbacks of the attack and knocks to her confidence because of the bruising to her face.

Walker, of Linga Lane, Bassingham, admitted a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm to Samantha Webster on 6 April this year.

The court heard Walker had no previous convictions and was the sole carer for her two young children.

Tom Heath, mitigating for Walker, admitted: "This is clearly a highly, unpleasant attack."

But Mr Heath told the court Walker had recently suffered the loss of her mother and urged the court to pass a suspended sentence to lessen the impact on her two young children.

Mr Heath said Walker had also reduced her use of alcohol since the attack and suffered from her own problems with anxiety and depression.

Passing sentence Judge Simon Hirst acknowledged there was significant mitigation available to Walker but told her: "The only appropriate punishment is immediate custody."

Judge Hirst explained this was a "horrific attack" with a shod foot to the head.

Walker was also sentenced to a three year restraining order which prevents any contact with Ms Webster for three years.