Great Ryburgh woman assaults family member by throwing frozen food at him and putting bin liner over his head

A 45-year-old woman appeared in court after a row with a family member saw her throw frozen food at him and put a bin liner over his head.

Yvonne Wickens, of Fakenham Road, Great Ryburgh, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where she pleaded guilty to the offence of assault by beating.

Prosecutor Qamar Iqbal said that on September 6, Wickens got into an argument with the victim about what they were going to have for dinner.

Wickens started to throw frozen items of food at him and put a black bin liner over his head, but no physical injury was caused.

The police were not called until the following day when Wickens herself told the victim to call 999.

In police interview, Wickens said that she is an alcoholic and drinks vodka every day.

In mitigation, Charlotte Winchester explained that Wickens was drinking at the time of the offence, and did not recall putting the bin liner over the victim’s head – but takes full responsibility for what happened.

“She recalls a verbal argument over the food they were having that night, that triggered it,” said Ms Winchester.

The solicitor explained that Wickens has faced several difficulties recently and used alcohol as a coping mechanism.

“She needs to address her trauma before her alcohol addiction,” said Ms Winchester.

It was explained that the assaulted family member is supportive of Wickens and her alcoholism has become an “escalating problem”.

“She knows it’s a problem and she is addressing them,” said Ms Winchester.

Magistrates gave Wickens a 12-month conditional discharge. She was ordered to pay court costs of £105 and a victim surcharge of £26.