A WOMAN who was attacked in the centre of Ely on a Thursday afternoon was awarded £125 compensation this week. Emma Banks was grabbed around the throat by 19-year-old Leanda Roys, and was thrown to the floor. She landed on the kerb, half on the road, and

A WOMAN who was attacked in the centre of Ely on a Thursday afternoon was awarded £125 compensation this week.

Emma Banks was grabbed around the throat by 19-year-old Leanda Roys, and was thrown to the floor.

"She landed on the kerb, half on the road, and half on the pavement," prosecutor Kate Richards told Ely magistrates on Thursday.

"She was then attacked on the ground, and was left with a black eye, cuts and scratches."

Roys, of Abbots Way, Ely, had denied assault, but was convicted at a trial in her absence earlier this month.

"The incident happened at 2.45pm on May 22 in Market Street," said Ms Richards. "Roys approached Ms Banks, and after a brief exchange of words, she grabbed her and threw her on the floor."

Appearing at the city courthouse on Thursday, Roys admitted breaching her community order by missing three appointments with the probation service, and failing to keep in touch with them.

"She is extremely apologetic that she failed to attend her trial," said solicitor Jeff Lewis.

He said Roys suffered from depression and irregular sleep patterns, and had overslept on the day of her trial.

Mr Lewis said the assault happened after Ms Banks approached Roys.

"This is a young lady crying out for a community order," he added.

The court revoked Roys' previous unpaid work order, imposed for an offence of theft, and replaced it with 18-months' of supervision. She was ordered to pay the compensation and £60 costs.