Sunderland woman 'screamed like a Banshee' before attacking man with windmill punches

A woman “screamed like a Banshee” before attacking a startled man with a series of windmill punches, a court heard.
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Melanie Walls hit her victim 15 times after smashing his window at 4.45am following a night out.

Marc Atkins, prosecuting, told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court: “The complainant was in his bed asleep when he heard a woman screaming for help outside.

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"He went down, opened the front door and saw the defendant trying to force her way in.

Melanie Walls, who assaulted her victim with what were described as "windmill" punches, outside court before admitting two charges.Melanie Walls, who assaulted her victim with what were described as "windmill" punches, outside court before admitting two charges.
Melanie Walls, who assaulted her victim with what were described as "windmill" punches, outside court before admitting two charges.

"She said she knew him and asked him to let her in. He told her to go away.

"The defendant then went to the downstairs window and, although the complainant could not see this from inside the house, he has heard the sound of his window smashing.

"He went outside to confront her about why she has done this.

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"She started swinging her arms around and then punched him to the chest and head 15 times, he said, with both arms.”

Walls was arrested after her victim left the scene to alert police.

In a victim impact statement, he said the incident had left him “particularly vulnerable” and added: “I do not know why she has attacked me and feel scared because of it.”

The court heard the pair had known each other decades earlier although Robin Ford, mitigating for Walls, said: “There is no reason whatsoever why she should have been there.”

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Mr Ford said Walls was “full of remorse” and thought a drink may have been spiked while she was out in Houghton as she was still feeling uncomfortable the following day.

He added: "She understands what what it is like to be drunk and this did not feel as though it was drink.”

Turning to the attack, in which he said his client “screamed like a Banshee”, he said: “She has thrown a few windmill arms, hit him once on the head and the rest on the torso.

"It is more like handbags from Melanie. She was too intoxicated to do any more and has only caused soreness.”

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Walls, 41, of Holmfirth Close, Hetton, admitted assault and causing criminal damage on October 10 and was ordered to pay a £50 fine, £100 compensation, a £95 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs.

She must also complete rehabilitation activities as part of a community order.

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