Mum laughs as she leaves court after 'taking law into own hands' with 'brutal assault'

A mum was seen laughing as she walked out of , having admitted to "taking the law into her own hands" after discovering a disturbing video on a man's phone. Hollie Weston, 26, confessed to police that she had punched Alfie Broadfield-Mellor, causing him to bleed, but added ominously, "it could have been worse".

Broadfield-Mellor was found by police in a bloodied and bruised state in Weston's bathroom, following what was described as a "lengthy and extensive assault". He also had other injuries that didn't align with just being punched, but he hadn't provided any evidence to the police or prosecution. The case was labelled as "deeply unusual" by a crown court judge.

Liverpool Crown Court heard on April 15, that Broadfield-Mellor had been residing at Weston's home on Acre Lane in Bromborough. Prosecutor Derek Jones explained to the court that Broadfield-Mellor was either "a friend or a family friend", but there was no romantic involvement between them.

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The court was told that in the early hours of November 9, 2023, Weston discovered videos on Broadfield-Mellor's Snapchat that she found deeply distressing. At around 7am, received a call from a neighbour who reported hearing a woman screaming "please help, please help", reports .

Upon arrival at Weston's residence, officers discovered Broadfield-Mellor in the bathroom. Jones stated that it was clear the man had been subjected to a severe and prolonged attack.

The court heard that he had injuries to his hand and back, along with multiple marks on his face.

Mr Jones revealed that Mr Broadfield-Mellor had suffered several bite marks and someone had "applied white paint" to his face with a brush. Upon the police's arrival, there were "four or five" individuals present at the scene.

The accused admitted to hitting the victim when questioned by officers, but insisted "what he did was worse".

The prosecution, as Mr Jones explained to the court, could not determine the exact events leading to the severe injuries sustained. With no testimony from the victim and no other charges made in relation to the incident, the case faced an "absence of evidence".

Initially facing a section 18 wounding charge, Weston later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm during her plea and trial preparation hearing. The court acknowledged her clean record, noting she had no prior convictions.

In defence, John Weate highlighted that his client's life had gone off track at the time of the offence, marked by excessive drug use and drinking. Following the incident, she lost her home but has since secured new accommodation.

The court was informed that she has young children who are now able to visit her without supervision.

Weston, who has been noted to have a good relationship with the children's father, had put her job search on hold pending the outcome of the case.

Her defence, Mr Weate, argued for full credit for her cooperation since the initial charges.

During sentencing, Recorder Richard Pratt KC remarked, "You were very understandably distressed by what you saw. That does not excuse you from what followed."

Acknowledging the emotional trigger but condemning the subsequent violence. He labelled the affair as a "brutal and sustained assault" while also noting: "The injury you caused was not one that represents the final injuries."

Weston, donning a black blazer, received a 12-month community order and was mandated to complete 25 rehabilitation days. In his concluding remarks, Recorder Pratt cautioned, "The sentence is very specific to the circumstances. The court will never approve of people who take the law into their own hands."

Upon receiving her sentence, Weston expressed gratitude towards the judge and was seen laughing and rejoicing with two companions as she exited the courtroom.