Published at 12:54, Monday, 07 January 2013

A YOUNG woman fired a CS type spray after rowing with a fellow reveller on a night out.

Hayley Ferriday initially threw an umbrella at Rema Thompson, but missed.

She then reached into her handbag and drew a canister which she pointed at the other woman and discharged.

Preston Crown Court heard that Miss Thompson had quickly stepped back to avoid being sprayed.

She was not physically injured, but shaken by the attack.

Ferriday, 23, of School Street, Barrow, had been committed by magistrates for sentencing at the higher court after pleading guilty to possessing a weapon designed or adapted for the discharge of a noxious liquid. Mr David Clarke, prosecuting, said the incident happened on August 31 last year when Miss Thompson had spent the evening in the Little Vic pub, Barrow, in the company of the defendant and the defendant’s partner.

They later left together, with the intention of going back to Ferriday’s address for a few more drinks.

But on the way, her partner decided he did not want Miss Thompson to join them and a row broke out which led to the attack.

“By good fortune a police vehicle happened to turn the corner,” added Mr Clarke. “The canister was thrown into the roadway, but was recovered.”

On later analysis it was found to be a CS gas-type spray, which was a prohibited weapon under firearms legislation.

Ferriday told police she had not discharged it.

Mr Gareth James, defending, said that although classified as a firearm, the spray was not capable of propelling anything lethal.

“It had been acquired some time previously for her protection,” he added.

Ferriday was given a twelve month community order, with a requirement to do 150 hours unpaid work and take part in a Cumbria alcohol awareness intervention activity.

She was told to pay £200 costs, plus £150 compensation.

Judge Ian Leeming QC said: “Had you in any way injured Miss Thompson, very likely I would have sent you to immediate custody.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk