A woman who threw a covid-19 warning sign at a bar worker when asked to wear a mask in the pub has been given a 12-month community order and must now carry out 80-hours community service after being convicted.
A court had been told that fashion graduate, Kayla Jones, 26, was drunk and shouted: “F***ing hell. Why do I get asked this? F***ing hell, I’m exempt,” in the pub she was last year.
When she appeared in court last month she confessed to assaulting member of staff Sam Ayling; causing criminal damage to a picture frame and being drunk and disorderly at The Rye pub, Peckham Rye on April 24, last year.
Jones was said to have been visibly intoxicated when she entered the pub with a masked friend at 8.50pm, according to Lincolnshire Live.
CCTV from the night was previously played to Croydon Magistrates Court showing her flinging the laminated A4-sized sign, which was on an entrance table and the picture frame, smashing it.
Court papers originally gave her address as in Birchwood, Lincoln. The court was told today that while her mother still lives in Lincoln she has moved to London.
Prosecutor Tharshani Siva told the court today: “Police were called to a report of a pub customer assaulting a member of staff. This defendant was asked to wear a face mask due to the Covid-19 regulations at the time and she shouted at the member of staff.
“The defendant picked up the sign from the table and threw it at the member of staff and she then threw a picture frame, which hit him and smashed to the floor. She was led out and continued shouting at the staff.
“The defendant was at least reckless as to any damage being caused and the offences are aggravated by being intoxicated at the time.”
The court heard Jones’ ambitions to set up her own business within the fashion industry were wrecked by the covid-19 crisis.
The A4 table sign informed pub customers they were required to wear a mask. Her lawyer David Thomas told the magistrates: “The defendant suffers severe anxiety and this is exacerbated by a member of the press in court today.
“The defendant does not live in the Lincoln area, her mother does. The press may take this into account if this needs to be reported there. Her behaviour was out of character and she has expressed remorse, regret and insight.
“She is of previous good character and she has lost that now. That in itself is a punishment and she will have to live with that. There was a little or no planning in her throwing the sign at someone.”
Jones was sentenced to a twelve-month Community Order, which includes 80 hours community service and was ordered to pay Mr Ayling £75 compensation, plus £25 to the pub for smashing their frame. She must also pay £300 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.
Mr Thomas told the magistrates Jones is in receipt of benefits. “Her ability to pay is zero.” The court ordered her to pay at the rate of £20 per month.
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