A MUM who owed £20 after buying baby clothes from two other mothers had been set upon in a Prestatyn street while with her tot, a court heard.

Defendant Kerry Hayes, 39, had been struggling with her mental health, Caernarfon crown court was told. “Thankfully the injuries were not as serious as they might have been,” said her barrister Andrew Green.

Paula Hawkins, 34, had two children of her own and mental health issues, too, said her counsel Simon Killeen. He agreed :”This was an ugly incident in front of a child in the street.” The defendants, of Ffordd Pantycelyn, Prestatyn, admitted affray.

Judge Nicola Jones said “defenceless” Lucy Harrison had been cut, bruised, upset and terrified. She told the defendants, on benefits, they’d targeted her in a busy public area outside a Coop at Prestatyn last October. Judge Jones remarked :”This was a nasty, cowardly attack. Both of you are mothers.”

Hayes threw punches and received a 14 months suspended jail term. Hawkins rifled through the victim’s handbag and got a ten months suspended sentence. Both must do 200 hours unpaid work, pay £100 compensation and £400 prosecution costs, and attend rehabilitation sessions.

Two-year restraining orders were made. Judge Jones added :”You are escaping custody by the skin of your teeth.”