A FLINTSHIRE mother has been given another chance despite attacking another woman while on two separate suspended sentences.

Mum of three Jennie Andrews, 36, of Howard Street in Connah’s Quay, who has convictions for theft and fraud was given a further reprieve due to the particular needs of her children.

Despite being able to go home to spend Christmas with her children, Andrews was told by a Judge that the fact she was a single mum did not entitle her to a “get out jail free card” or mean she had a “license to offend”.

Andrews wept in the dock when she was told that her four month prison sentence would be suspended for 12 months and that she will have to complete 20 days of rehabilitation with the probation service.

Mold Crown Court heard that Andrews has a severely disabled 17-year-old son, a 14-year-old boy described as “a high functioning autistic child” and an 11-year-old daughter.

Prosecuting barrister Ffion Tomos said that Andrews had denied a charge of common assault against Dawn Hammond in Princess Street, Connah’s Quay in May this year, but that she was later convicted.

There had been a confrontation at the victim’s door, with Andrews being extremely angry and shouting before she forcibly pushed her by the shoulders with both hands. Ms Hammon fell backwards and struck her head on the skirting board, which left injuries to her head and lower back. Under interview, Andrews denied the assault and claimed she had actually tripped and fallen into the complainant.

Andrews had previous convictions for 15 offences, which mainly relate to charges of dishonesty and had been subject to two suspended sentences at the time of the latest offence.

In July last year, Andrews was given a two year suspended sentence after committing benefit fraud, taking £130,000 over an eight year period. Just a week later, she was in the dock again, this time at Chester Magistrates Court, where she was given a nine month suspended sentence after stealing a Rolex watch and a bank card, which she used numerous times.

Henry Hills, defending, said his client had been co-operating with probation as he asked the court to exercise its mercy while acknowledging it had done previously.

Mr Hills went on to say how Andrews children had “on going, significant needs” and how important she was in meeting those needs.

His Honour Judge Niclas Parry said: “The time has come for you to understand that being a single mother is not a get out of jail card. You do not have a licence to offend.”

He added how the court had previously exercised mercy because it understood the needs of her children and how an immediate custodial sentence would have a significant impact on them.