A GIPSY camp resident who kicked and punched a nurse in a "horrendous attack" was jailed for four months yesterday.

Harrogate magistrates heard how Jane Nichols, who was caring for a stroke victim at the travellers' camp at Springs Lane, Bickerton, near York, was attacked from behind as she walked her male patient's two lurcher dogs.

Prosecutor Mark Haigh said 37-year-old site resident Synet Esther Turnbull used both hands to grab Ms Nichols by the throat in a grip so tight she could hardly breathe.

She then punched her on the jaw hard enough to knock her to the ground.

Mr Haigh said as Ms Nichols lay dazed, Turnbull repeatedly punched her head and kicked her stomach.

The nurse, said to be in her early 60s, heard Turnbull shout that she was going to kill her.

The attack stopped, and Ms Nichols staggered to her feet. But as Turnbull's family crowded around, she was kicked again.

Staff at Harrogate District Hospital found a broken bone below Ms Nichols's left eye and also treated her for badly swollen eyes, bleeding from her nose and mouth, a head injury and pain to her jaw.

The attack was witnessed by site warden Hughie Smith, president of the National Gypsy Council. He heard Turnbull tell her victim: "If you call the police, we'll burn you out."

Mr Smith said the attack disgusted him, as he knew Ms Nichols had herself been ill.

Turnbull pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm.

David Camidge, mitigating, said the incident was wholly out of character.

"She is unable to explain her offence. She just snapped," he said.