LORRAINE Ellis lured witness David Drewery into her home and then claimed that her former partner was about to give him a good hiding, magistrates heard this week. Mr Drewery – who was due to give evidence at her forthcoming trial – was so frightened th

LORRAINE Ellis lured witness David Drewery into her home and then claimed that her former partner was about to give him "a good hiding," magistrates heard this week.

Mr Drewery - who was due to give evidence at her forthcoming trial - was so frightened that he tried to leave, and Ellis grabbed his spectacles.

"When he got to the gate he realised he did not have his glasses, and asked for them back. But she did not return them to him," Ely magistrates heard from prosecutor Angela Sassoli on Thursday.

Ellis, 42, of White Hart Lane, Soham, admitted stealing Mr Drewery's glasses, worth £87.50, on December 5 last year.

Mrs Sassoli said Ellis met Mr Drewery that day while shopping in the Co-op at Soham.

"She asked him to go to her home because her partner wanted to speak to him," she explained. "They left together and went to White Hart Lane, where Ellis told him that her partner wanted to give him a good hiding.

"Mr Drewery felt intimidated, and he tried to leave," she said. "He got his phone out, and she tried to grab it. He wrestled it away, and she managed to take off his glasses. He was frightened and ran away."

Ellis, who had previously denied a charge of theft, originally told police she knew nothing about the incident, and gave two false alibis.

Mr Drewery had given evidence at Ellis' trial in January, when she was convicted of assaulting a teenage boy.

Mitigating, Michael Judkins said Ellis denies threatening Mr Drewery. He said Mr Drewery was abusive to her, and she responded by taking his glasses.

Ellis has a long history of clinical depression and alcohol problems, he added. Her relationship with her former partner has ended.

Ellis - who has previous convictions including racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards a shop keeper, assault and criminal damage - wanted to apologise to Mr Drewery.

The magistrates revoked Ellis' current community order, and imposed a new order with 15 months supervision and a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement. She must pay £87.50 compensation, and £175 costs.