A WOMAN spat in a man's face and chased after another woman coughing while shouting, 'I've got the virus', a court heard.

Hephizibah Elspeth Watts, 29, confronted a group of people in Beaminster on New Year's Day. She coughed in their faces, saying she had coronavirus and acted in an 'aggressive' manner.

Watts, of East Street, Bridport admitted three counts of assault when she appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court.

Watts was said to be mentally unwell and had no memory of the incident which was described by her solicitor as 'isolated'.

Elizabeth Valera, prosecuting, read out a victim statement in court.

One of the victims said: "She kept acting aggressive towards me. I didn't know who she was. She spat in my face.

"She hit me with both hands very aggressively and then she hit [the others].

"She coughed in all their faces and said 'I've got the virus'.

"She spat at them and went around the group and ran after [one of the victims] and coughed at her.

"It's serious because the virus kills."

Mitigating, Patricia Sheehan, said Watts suffered from a 'mental breakdown' prior to the assault.

She said: "She was having a mental breakdown; she was desperately unwell.

"It should be stated she was not drunk [during the assault], but she does have a history of alcohol abuse.

"She has no previous offences - and it's an isolated incident. She accepts responsibility for her actions and she's very sorry."

Probation officer Stephanie Walker told magistrates Watts has a history of depression.

She said: "She has no recollection of what happened on that day (January 1).

"She has an emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD); people who have this are unable to control their emotions and have meltdowns."

The court heard how since the assault Watts has been in contact with Dorset rehabilitation charity Reach and been engaging with Citizens Advice Dorset.

Watts was given a 12-month community order.

She will also have to pay £50 compensation each to the three victims.