A dispute over a Christmas wreath during a flower arranging class escalated when a 51-year-old trainee florist punched a fellow student and threw a drink at her. Lorraine Jae pleaded guilty to assault by beating at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.
The incident occurred on December 11 of the previous year at St Helens College in Merseyside. Jae, a housewife, became involved in an argument with the course tutor regarding her coursework. Tracey Musker, another student, attempted to de-escalate the situation, advising Jae to stop being "childish."
According to the prosecution, Jae then told Musker to "shut the f**k up." When Musker laughed off the verbal abuse, Jae approached her and punched her in the face. As Musker stood up, Jae picked up a protein drink from Musker's desk and threw it at her, hitting her on the chin.
Other students intervened to break up the altercation, and Jae subsequently left the classroom. She was later suspended from her college course.
Miss Musker sustained bruises and a cut to her chin, along with a mark on her lip. She received first aid at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.
Jae, from Leigh, Greater Manchester, was ordered to pay Musker £200 in compensation. She was also fined £300, with an additional £205 in costs and a victim surcharge. The court heard that Jae had no previous convictions and was awaiting a hip operation. Her lawyer stated that the incident was a "heat of the moment reaction" and that Jae was remorseful.
