A Maitland magistrate has described the violent, alcohol-fuelled behaviour of a young Greta woman as precisely what the community is sick of.
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Kirstin Jean Berry, of Sale Street, pleaded guilty to common assault in Maitland Local Court yesterday after an incident at the Bradford Hotel on Anzac Day.
A statement tendered to the court said Berry had gone to the pub with her sister when a verbal altercation broke out about 3pm with three other women.
Berry and her sister were asked to leave as a result of the incident.
They were then recognised from the argument when they approached a table and sat down, leading to another verbal exchange.
Another woman pushed Berry’s sister in the back. She then retaliated and punched the woman in the face.
Court documents said Berry then threw about six consecutive punches and a number connected with the woman’s face.
Security staff and patrons intervened before police attended about 3.40pm.
Officers reported bruising and swelling to the right eye and face of the woman.
Magistrate John Chicken described Berry’s actions as disgusting, criminal behaviour.
“This is precisely the sort of behaviour that the community is sick of – young people, going out and getting liquored up and starting fights at licensed premises,” he said.
“You had no reason to involve yourself in this, if this is how you behave when you drink – don’t drink.”
The 23-year-old’s solicitor said her client was remorseful for her actions.
“She was intoxicated, it was Anzac Day, she was acting in an unbecoming and a criminal way.”
Mr Chicken questioned whether Berry’s actions were to protect her sister.
“Raining six or seven blows on someone, when your sister had already punched her in the face, how is that coming to the defence of your sister?”
Berry was fined $900 and placed on a two-year good behaviour bond.