An Isle of Wight woman tailed a former college friend's car down a dead end, before launching a “prolonged, persistent assault”, after taking issue with a post on Facebook.

Gayna Carter, 23, of Baring Road, Cowes, attended the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on Friday, November 17.

She was previously found guilty of assault by beating, at trial.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said Carter and her victim met at college and were friends, before falling out.

Ms Stone told the court the victim was on duty as a carer, on her way to a client’s home in Cowes on February 8, when she realised a car was following her. She recognised it as Carters’.

The victim drove past her client’s house and drove around Gurnard, before her journey took her down Jordan Close, a dead end, said Ms Stone.

The prosecution said Carter got out of her car and was angry about something posted on Facebook - punching her victim in the head and grabbing her hair, with both falling on the floor in a ‘scuffle’.

An older female car passenger joined Carter and the pair began kicking the victim, with Carter telling her “I told you I would get you,” Ms Stone said.

The court heard how nearby residents came out from their houses to split the pair up, but Carter launched another attack, punching her victim in the face.

Ms Stone said Carter claimed self-defence in police interviews, telling them she was visiting her friend’s grandmother. This was verified by a friend, who later told police Carter had asked her to lie for her.

Carter’s victim was present for the sentencing and read out a statement to the court.

She said she had been the victim of threats to kill, in the past three years, adding she is mentally traumatised, suffers from panic attacks and struggles to sleep.

For Carter, Nick Muir said his client, who has a list of learning difficulties and mental health issues, “saw red”.

He described the assault as a “coming together of two people who used to be friends.”

Mr Muir told the court the victim’s injuries were small cuts, bruises and grazes, and said she was released from hospital without needing treatment.

Magistrates handed Carter an 18-month community order, to include 30 rehabilitation sessions, and must pay £620 costs, a £180 fine and £114 surcharge.

Carter was also made subject to an 18-month restraining order.