Teenager given restraining order

Kirsty Bassett, 18, of Cornwallis Gardens, Hastings, had been found guilty of assault and using threatening behaviour at a trial last month and she appeared back at Hastings Magistrates Court on Tuesday for sentencing.

Mark Kateley, prosecuting, told the court that on July 28 Bassett had set upon Elisha Robinson in London Road, Bexhill.

“She punched her in the face a number of times causing bruising to the right eye and some bumps to her head. The victim was previously involved with a young man called Billy Craig, who had then switched his allegiance to the defendant.”

Later on August 9, Basett called her ‘a grass’ and threatened ‘to cut her with a knife’ if she went near her boyfriend again, said Mr Kateley.

Miss Bassett said the attack on Miss Robinson had been self-defence and denied ever making the knife threat, but the magistrates found her guilty. Aiden Harvey, defending said: “She is not likely to be back in trouble and does not want to go through this rigmarole again.”

Chairman of the bench John Berryman said: “The court feels the distress you caused to this young lady must have been quite traumatic. The community does not in any way, shape or form take kindly to any reference to a knife.”

He sentenced her to a three-month curfew, from 7pm to 7am every night, and ordered that she pay £200 costs. He also imposed a two year restraining order preventing Bassett from contacting Elisha Robinson.