Two people were violently attacked near their homes after complaining about a neighbour’s music being too loud.

Maria White, who has 42 previous convictions, lashed out at Miranda Bond and Vincent Day by hitting, punching and scratching them when they confronted her about the music.

White, 55, of High Street, Halling, was later charged with threatening behaviour, two counts of assault by beating and criminal damage and admitted the offences when she appeared in court in September.

She returned to Medway Magistrates’ Court to be sentenced on November 7.

The court heard the incidents happened on February 3.

Sarah Madden, prosecuting, said: “The victim confronted White about playing loud music late at night and told the defendant she was not happy about the noise she makes during the early hours.

“The defendant then physically attacked her by hitting and scratching her. Mr Day was punched and then Ms Bond was also punched. Ms Bond shouted for help and other neighbours came out to assist. The defendant left.

“The police were called and she became abusive towards them and her behaviour was aggressive. When she was arrested and put in the police van she then spat in it.”

Ms Madden also told the court both victims had given impact statements with Ms Bond saying the attack had left her anxious and scared.

She was worried about bumping into White as they lived near each other and she didn’t know what White was capable of.

Mr Day also made a statement to say he was nervous about seeing White and that he knew of other instances previously where her sons had apparently threatened other people.

He felt if she had had a weapon on her that day, she would have used it.

He also said he felt White needed help.

The prosecutor added: “She has 42 previous convictions and six are offences against a person and she’s also got an actual bodily harm conviction, but the other assaults are historic.

“It cost £97.50 for a deep clean of the police vehicle.”

The court also heard White had not been in trouble since 2017.

Defending herself, White said: “The incident was just an altercation with the neighbours.

“If I come face to face with them again I will walk the other way.

“I just sit indoors all the time, I don’t want any trouble. If I go to prison I will lose everything, I just don’t want any trouble.

“It was six of one half a dozen of the other (the altercation).

It was at this point the chairman of the bench said: “You started it.”

White then added: “I pleaded guilty because I was guilty. I am sorry. My daughter does all my shopping online as I just stay indoors. I was drinking a lot.”

“If I come face to face with them again I will walk the other way…”

Magistrates told White they had discussed the sentencing options, including prison, but didn’t think the offences passed the custody threshold. Instead, they placed her on a 12-month community order.

This will involve her completing 20 rehabilitation sessions with probation which includes a course on women’s specific services which are designed to help her with her behaviour.

The Chairman of the bench added: “You have remorse which is to your credit and there is no need for a restraining order, it’s just not practical, but if there is another incident like this, you’ll be going down that door (to the cells), so keep out of trouble.

White was also ordered to pay £97.50 compensation to Kent Police for the deep cleaning of their vehicle and was also made to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and £85 court costs.

She will pay what she owes the court at a rate of £20 a month as she is claiming benefits.