A WOMAN who broke her victim’s finger during an assault in a supermarket has avoided being sent to prison.

Chelsea Lee Bailey committed assault occasioning actual bodily harm at the Lidl Store on Park Road in St Helens.

The 32-year-old, now of Croppers Hill Court in St Helens but formerly of Weavers Fold in Fairfield, also failed to surrender to police or court bail.

Liverpool Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates’ Court heard how the assault occurred on April 8, 2020.

Meanwhile, the fail to surrender charge took place on March 3 this year when Bailey failed ‘without reasonable cause’ to surrender to custody at the same court after being released on bail in criminal proceedings.

Magistrates remarked how the offence was ‘so serious’ that only a custodial sentence was appropriate, given the assault caused a broken finger.

They also spoke of how the defendant made a ‘reckless’ attempt to get away, was subject to a community order at the time and has a previous conviction for violence.

However, she was sentenced to 20 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months.

This was because the offence was committed more than two years ago, and the defendant is currently engaging with probation.

She must also complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay compensation of £300.