A PARTY hostess was attacked twice by a female guest.

Blackburn magistrates heard the victim "stuck up for herself" on both occasions but it had been Leah Barton who had thrown the first punch.

Barton, 34, of Marsden Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to assaulting Emma Shaw. She was fined £50 with £75 compensation, £985 costs and £30 victim surcharge.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said Barton had attended the party at the home of Miss Shaw. The victim had been friends with a man called William Smith for a number of years and Barton was in the early stages of a relationship with the same man.

Miss Shaw said everything was fine and everyone was laughing and joking until Barton suddenly punched her on the nose.

"She responded by pushing the defendant over a couch and someone then split them up," said Mrs Mann. "Everything was calm until Miss Shaw heard Barton making further threats towards her and she confronted her and asked what her problem was.

"She struck her again and there was another fight," said Mrs Mann. "It is fair to say Miss Shaw stuck up for herself on both occasions but she was not the aggressor and did not throw the first punch."

Gareth Price, defending, said it appeared the changing relationships involving the two women and the man called Billy had caused some tension.