A WOMAN who grabbed a pub landlady’s sister by the throat and pulled out clumps of her hair after she was politely asked to wait her turn at karaoke appeared before magistrates yesterday (Tuesday, January 14).

Suzanne Bainbridge attempted to grab the microphone from a man singing karaoke on the dance floor at The Bridge pub in Spennymoor, County Durham, on December 7 last year.

Vickie Wilson, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court, described how the sister of the pub’s new landlady had tried to calm the 37-year-old down.

In a statement read out in court the victim said: “She was dancing around, trying to grab the microphone. She was also imitating another girl’s dancing in an intimidating way and I could see the girl was getting agitated.

“I approached her and politely explained this was a family event but she got hold of my face and went for my throat.”

The pair then fell to the floor with Bainbridge, of Ivy Close, Spennymoor, tugging the victim’s hair relentlessly.

Both the landlord and landlady rushed to the victim’s assistance and were pushed and hit as they tried to drag Bainbridge away.

The victim, who has been left in pain with several bald patches, said: “I hate violence. I just wanted to calm the situation down but she attacked me for no reason.”

Bainbridge pleaded guilty to three charges of assault by beating.

Mike Clark, mitigating, said Bainbridge had an alcohol problem, which was sparked by her son’s death in 2001.

“She is very sorry and appreciates this type of behaviour is totally abhorrent,” he added.

Bainbridge received a 12-month community order, including probation supervision and an alcohol treatment programme, and was ordered to pay £150 compensation.