AN ALLOA mum has been given a community payback order for striking her son on the head with a candlestick.

Tracey Jenkins (44) admitted the assault at Alloa Sheriff Court last month and appeared on Thursday (4 December) for sentencing.

The court heard that Jenkins had returned home from a night out before she attacked her son at their home on Ashley Terrace, Alloa, on 25 April, 2014.

Depute fiscal Marie-Claire Chaffey said: “The accused consumed a considerable amount of alcohol that evening and was ‘a drunken state’ when the assault took place.

“She then went to make herself something to eat and she began arguing with one of her sons, the complainer in this case, about their cat.” Ms Chaffey said Jenkins then grabbed a candlestick and began acting aggressively before heading off to her room.

She added: “The complainer then opened the door of the bedroom to check on his mother before he she struck him on the head with the candlestick, making him fall to the floor.” The court also heard that Jenkins’ son suffered a small cut to this forefront and was taken to Forth Valley Hospital where he received three stitches.

Claire McCarron, defending, said the effects of alcohol played its part in the attack but her client was making a concerted effort to tackle her drinking.

She said: “Mrs Jenkins has accepted responsibility for this matter.

“The offence came at a time when she was in a very bad place, and she has told me she was ashamed and embarrassed by the way she reacted.

“She has already made efforts to improve her home and to deal with her drinking.” In sentencing, Sheriff Raymond McMenamin told Jenkins that her actions could have merited a prison term, but ordered her to carry out unpaid work.

He said: “I fully appreciate the difficulties in your life but your behaviour at this time was very problematic.

“It was a very sad incident and would normally warrant a period of custody.

“But for all the matters outlined today, I think a community payback order as an alternative to custody would be more appropriate.

“You have had this type of order before and so you know what will happen if you fail to comply.” Jenkins was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid, reduced from 180 hours due to her early plea.