Woman assaulted friend at Buxton pub

A woman who was assaulted by a friend in a Buxton pub was so upset by the incident that she has since moved to another town, a court heard.
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Julie Keeling had gone out for the evening in Buxton on March 13, prosecutor Jennifer Fitzgerald said. When Ms Keeling and her friend entered the Cheshire Cheese pub, they saw a group of people they knew, including Belinda Downings, who had been a friend of Ms Keeling’s since childhood, High Peak Magistrates’ Court heard.

The group all sat together in the pub but an argument then began between Downings and another person and Downings was asked to leave, which she did. Shortly afterwards, Ms Keeling and her friend went to the back door of the pub for a cigarette when Downings appeared, grabbed Ms Keeling and pushed her to the floor. Ms Keeling suffered swelling and bruising and was so scared by the incident she has since moved away, Mrs Fitzgerald said.

Downings, 45, of Eagle Parade, Buxton, denied assault by beating but was found guilty after trial.

Kirsten Collings, defending, said: “When interviewed, Belinda said she didn’t recall the evening. When the police spoke to her about this it was the first she knew of an assault.

“She has a history of mental health issues. She has also had problems with alcohol. To her credit for the last six months she has been completely abstinent from alcohol.”

Downings was given a 12-month community order with supervision and an alcohol specific activity requirement. She must pay £150 compensation to Ms Keeling, £50 costs and a £60 surcharge.