A woman from Somerset has denied assaulting a man during an argument about a mobile phone. Lauren Neads, 34, appeared at North Somerset Magistrates' Court on September 21, where she pleaded not guilty to assault by beating.
According to the prosecution, the alleged incident occurred on February 3 this year while Neads and the man were returning from ASDA. Prosecutor Sue Cameron told the court that the man was using his phone during the journey, which irritated Neads. She is accused of striking him on the shoulder three or four times with a closed fist.
An audio recording made by the man was played in court, capturing him asking Neads, “Why did you hit me?” The court heard Neads responding: “Because you’re a ******* snake.”
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In a police interview, Neads described the man as “very manipulative and abusive” and stated that she had been trying to end their relationship.
The defence highlighted that the man is also facing prosecution for controlling and coercive behaviour, and that Neads never admitted to the assault. Regarding the audio evidence, the defence suggested that the sounds might be attributable to a puffer jacket moving rather than any physical altercation.
Neads, who lives in Taylors Fields, Banwell, was granted conditional bail. She is scheduled to appear in court again on April 26, 2027.