A woman yesterday told a court she beat up her love rival on New Year's Day because "she pissed me off".

Gloria Smith, 57, repeatedly punched Debra Hayward, causing swelling to her face and a bloody mouth, outside Swinging Doors, Court Street, at about 7.30 a.m., Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

However, Smith was given a conditional discharge for the assault after telling Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner how the victim had provoked her in a row over the defendant's boyfriend.

Crown Counsel Cindy Clarke told the court Smith had said to Police: "Yes, I shook her. She was messing with my boyfriend."

Probed by Mr. Warner yesterday, Smith replied: "She pissed me off and I struck her. Guilty. Guilty, your honour."

Mr. Warner replied: "You did a bit more than strike her," and Smith replied: "Yes, I admit to the charges."

Smith, of Mount Pleasant Lane, Sandys, said she had previously helped out Ms Hayward, lending her clothes, feeding her and letting her use her bath.

She continued: "I was really pissed off because you do things like that and they turn round and come in your house and stab you in the back like that. I was hurt and got angry."

Smith said she had told Ms Hayward to stay away from her that night, but that the victim had then returned with a friend.

Mr. Warner told her: "You can't go round and beat up, assault and break the law, just because she may have interfered with your boyfriend and you are upset."

Smith used to work on the Hustle Truck but now cares for her sick godmother in Somerset.

The magistrate gave her a conditional discharge for one year on the grounds that she had no previous convictions in the past 30 years, the injuries were not major and she was provoked.