A woman who had been on an all day drinking session assaulted two random women for no apparent reason.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard both victims had been swimming at Edisford Pool in Clitheroe when they were attacked by Shannon Holt on May 20.

The court heard the first victim, a 53 year old woman, was grabbed by the hair and dragged into the road.

Minutes later the second victim was attacked for no reason and punched in the head, causing immediate pain.

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting, said he didn’t know what had caused the defendant’s behaviour.

“The two ladies who were assaulted had both been enjoying a swim at Edisford pool,” said Mr Tindall.

“They didn’t know each other or the defendant.”

Mr Tindall said the first victim was walking on the pavement was walking along the pavement when she was approached by Holt who looked threatening.

She tried to cross the road to avoid Holt but she came up to her and grabbed her hair with both hands.

“She pulled her towards the ground and the victim was concerned about traffic because she had been dragged into the road,” said Mr Tindall.

“She pulled the defendant’s legs to get her off balance and managed to get away.

"She said she was very shocked by the incident which was totally unexpected and unprovoked.”

The second victim, a 36 year old woman, had dropped her sister off at a wedding function and had gone for a swim while she waited to pick her up.

She was in Edisford Road when she saw a male with no top on and a female who were arguing.

“She crossed the road to get away from them but Holt ran towards her shouting aggressively,” said Mr Tindall.

“She swung a punch which hit the side of the victim’s face, causing immediate pain. The male with no top on carried on walking away from the incident.”

Holt, 28, formerly of Gretna Walk, Blackburn, but now living in Fleetwood, pleaded guilty to two charges of assault.

She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 15-day rehabilitation activity Requirement and and an alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement for 120 days.

She was ordered to pay £100 compensation to each of the victims.

Ben Leech, for Holt, conceded there was little he could say in mitigation.

He said: “She has had some trouble coming to terms with her behaviour on this day in May.

“She says there is absolutely no explanation or excuse other than the extreme alcohol consumption on the day.

“She accepts her behaviour was inexcusable and she regrets that bitterly.”

Mr Leech said his client had realised she had a problem with alcohol and had taken steps to change her life.

She had engaged with Inspire, the drink and drug agency and had been working tirelessly with them since May.

“She made the decision immediately after this incident that she had to move out of Blackburn and away from the circle of friends that she had,” said Mr Leech.