A woman stormed into Moray Council’s annexe on Elgin High Street and violently assaulted a rival, the town’s Sheriff Court heard yesterday.
Margaret Reid flew into a rage when she entered the local authority’s headquarters last month, and attacked Danielle Farrar.
Ms Farrar had to be taken to hospital for treatment after being hurled against a pillar by the building’s entrance, and punched several times.
Fiscal Kevin Corrins said the incident was the result of bubbling tensions between the families of both women.
He added: “The accused entered the building and walked towards Ms Farrar, while shouting and swearing.
“She then pulled her up from the seat she was sitting on and threw her against the pillar beside the entrance.
“When Ms Farrar was on the ground, the accused punched her on the head and body.
“Witnesses, who were mainly Moray Council staff, intervened and managed to stop Reid.”
Council workers quickly called the police, and Ms Farrar was taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital with a swollen nose, scratches on her right arm and a sore head where her hair had been aggressively tugged.
Reid admitted assaulting Ms Farrar by pulling her hair, throwing her against the pillar and punching her repeatedly about the head and body at 2pm on Monday, November 16.
Representing Reid, solicitor Brent Lockie said the behaviour was “somewhat out of character” for the mother-of-two.
He added that the conflict between the two women was “convoluted”, and revolved around an “ongoing family dispute where emotions have been running very high”.
Mr Lockie added: “My client was very upset, and had heard that this lady was going to give her a doing.
“She simply walked in and assaulted her, but she accepts that was wrong and apologises for her conduct.”
Reid, of 17 Findhorn Court in Elgin, was fined £200, to be paid in instalments of £20 per week.