A WOMAN, who threatened staff at a Weston bank and hit a child with a pen, has been fined for her ‘appalling’ behaviour.

Sharon Lovell, aged 49, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive words and disorderly behaviour at Barclays Bank, in Regent Street, on November 6.

North Somerset Courthouse was told that Lovell walked into the bank drunk, at around 2pm, and started swearing at the cashier and customers, which included a mother and her child.

Mike Collins, prosecuting, said Lovell is a regular customer at the bank and staff claim she is often in an intoxicated state.

He said: “The defendant pushed ahead of the customer waiting to be served. When the cashier went up to the defendant she (Lovell) responded with a torrent of abuse, including the words ‘I’m going to wipe the floor with you.’

“She caused distress to the cashier and a customer with her baby. She then threw a pen at the buggy and hit the child’s chest and the mother was crying. She did not cause harm to the child.

“When interviewed by police she said she could not recall being abusive and her memory was patchy because she was drunk.

“She said she starts drinking at 7am then continues throughout the day and she had consumed three cans of strong brew before she went into the bank. She also said she asked to go in front because she had a taxi waiting and the mother with the pushchair was happy with this.”

Sue Cameron, defending, said Lovell was ‘visibly shaken’ when she heard what she had done.

She said: “She is a lady who is very easy to talk to but has some complex issues. She knows she has issues with drink and she is very sorry for the incident.

“She would like to go back to rehab to deal with her drink issues.”

The court also heard from the district’s probation team, which decided it could not work with her.

Chair of the bench, Anna Blackmore, said: “The offence was absolutely appalling, taking place at a bank in front of people who work there, customers and a mother and baby.”

Lovell was told the fine would be taken directly from her benefits.

Ms Blackmore added: “We would have loved to keep money away from you so you do not drink it away.”

Lovell was ordered to pay a £110 fine, as well as a £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs.