A FEUD between two former neighbours blew up in a shopping complex in Alexandria when one woman punched another and pinned her to the ground before ripping out a clump of her hair.

Jennifer Alexander attacked her victim at Mitchell Way last year.

Alexander, 28, of the town’s Gray Street, appeared in court on Friday for sentencing after pleading guilty to a charge of assault.

Ian Meacock, prosecuting, told Dumbarton Sheriff Court the incident happened after the victim of the assault left a store in the complex.

Mr Meacock said “Alexander saw her and followed her, shouted after her and then punched her on the left side of the face.

“She fell to the ground. The accused knelt over her, and as she was pinned to the ground, punched her and pulled a clump of hair out.”

Alexander’s lawyer, Brian McGuire, told the court the victim had been giving his client abuse while she stood behind her in a queue at the shop.

Mr McGuire said: “This situation was unfortunate. Not that long ago they had been friends. My client lost the place and acted entirely inappropriately. It was her fault and she fully accepts the situation.”

Alexander was put on a community payback order to include 12 months of social work supervision.