A MOTHER who ran a buggy over her ex-husband’s feet was described as being "spiteful" as she admitted assault by beating in court.

Prosecutor Blair Martin told Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, February 13) that 35-year-old Elizabeth Hickson knew her ex-husband suffered a painful artery problem.

When Mr Hickson went to collect their children from school in October she purposely ran a pushchair over his feet in what Mr Martin described as a spiteful act which caused him “extreme pain” due to his medical condition.

Sonny Lawson, mitigating, said the incident was petulant rather than spiteful and since it happened in October the pair had worked at being a couple again for the benefit of their children.

He added that Mrs Hickson, who has a previous conviction for assaulting Mr Hickson, had also registered herself to take part in a second domestic violence course.

Mrs Hickson, of Pensbury Street, Darlington, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £50 compensation and £100 in court costs and charges.