Woman joined in attack - court

In the dock for the fracas at Charlton Place, Newbury, was 26-year-old Ellen Monkton who lives in the town’s St Johns Road.
Naomi Edwards, prosecuting, said Miss Monkton joined in the attack on Elli Nicholls when another defendant, James Brian Wright of Russell Street, reading - who was not present in court - struck her with a stick.
She added: “Mr Wright hit Miss Nicholls with a large piece of wood and she fell to the floor. Someone intervened when he went to strike her again and he ran off. Miss Monkton punched Miss Nicholls in the face in this incident.
“She later told police she had drunk a bottle of whisky.”
Miss Monkton, who has previous convictions, admitted assaulting Miss Nicholls by beating her, jointly with 20-year-old Mr Wright, on February 28 this year.
She also admitted being in breach of a 12 month conditional discharge imposed for handling stolen goods.
Ian Campbell, defending, said that Miss Monkton had begun to build herself a new life after the “unhappy episode” and wanted to turn her back on her troubled past.
He added that she had co-operated with police and wanted to make a fresh start away from the area.
Presiding magistrate Michael Williams said: “It appears you’re moving on with your life and turned a page. We’re minded to give you one last chance.”
The bench made Miss Monkton subject to a 12 month conditional discharge.