A woman lashed out with a hammer after she was driven to distraction by noisy neighbours.

Nicola Padfield had suffered months of torment from people living in the flat below hers in Park Crescent, Worthing.

She complained to the housing association that owns the building and to her local council and was promised something would be done.

But her patience snapped when she heard noise coming from the flat in the early hours of April 22.

Padfield grabbed the hammer for protection and went round to complain, Worthing Magistrates Court was told yesterday. (tue) Peter Lytle, prosecuting, said Padfield banged on the door with the hammer because she could not get an answer and there was no bell.

Mr Long added: “The door was opened by two women who tried to reason with her.

“She swung out with the hammer hitting one of the women on the arm causing bruising.”

Padfield pleaded guilty to assaulting Laura Tee and causing £200 damage to the door.

Peter Long, defending, said Padfield had lived at the Southern Housing Group flats for two years.

He added: “Problems began with noise coming from the flat below about eight months ago.

“She had written to the housing association and the authorities about it.

“She had received confirmation that action would be taken on the day of the incident.

“The noise continued in the evening and she foolishly took the hammer with her for protection.

“She did not intend to hit anyone or cause damage but accepts that she hit out with the hammer after she was pushed.”

Padfield, who had been drinking and suffers from depression, was given a two-year conditional discharge and must pay £200 compensation for the damage she caused.

District Judge Rodger Ede said: “I can understand how difficult it is for you in circumstances where you have made reports to the authorities about what was happening.

“But you know that you are not to take the law into your own hands as it is something the authorities should deal with.”