Court hears that village texting feud turned to physical violence

A grandmother has been ordered to pay compensation to a neighbour who she attacked on her doorstep in a village feud over abusive texts.

Jodie Lindsay, 49, pushed her way into the victim’s home in Dunkeswell, and punched her to the ground before injuring her back with a rain of blows.

They lived near each other in the small village and ill feeling had led to a series of text messages being exchanged before the dispute flared into violence.

Lindsay, now of Broadhembury, admitted causing actual bodily harm. She was curfewed for four months and ordered to pay £300 compensation by Recorder Philip Mott, QC at Exeter Crown Court.

He told her: “The victim was already suffering from depression and this must have been very frightening for her indeed. The effect on her and the fact you went in her home are aggravating factors.”

William Hunter, prosecuting, said the attack happened at 7 pm on January 6 last year, after the victim heard Lindsay banging on her door.

She went to lock it to keep her out but Lindsay opened it and pushed her way in before she could do so and then punched and kicked her in the body and back.

She suffered severe bruising and needed a hospital check up for what was described as ‘a five inch dent in her back’.

Lindsay sent her a message of apology and told police she had gone too far,

Barry White, defending, said Lindsay regretted the attack, which happened at a time when she was under strain because of personal and family difficulties.

Her father had died recently while living Florida and she was trying to sort out his affairs. She was also awaiting the results of an autopsy.

Mr White said she is a grandmother who is still able to work despite suffering from fibromyalgia.

She denies kicking the victim but accepts that she punched her repeatedly in the back.