By Staff Reporter

Last updated at 11:55, Tuesday, 04 December 2012

A couple ended up in court after a night out in Carlisle ended in a brawl on a late-night bus.

Heather Sephton, 36, and Kevin James Sephton, 38, of Balmoral Close, Penrith, landed in trouble when they took the bus back home after a meal in the city, Carlisle magistrates heard.

Heather Sephton admitted assaulting a woman who was on the bus while Kevin Sephton pleaded guilty to assaulting another bus passenger, David Wharton, and criminal damage.

Adrienne Harris, prosecuting, told district judge Gerald Chalk how the couple went out in Carlisle on August 5 and caught the late bus home.

While they were on the bus a young woman started shouting abuse at the Sephtons saying they were “too old to be out this late”.

Heather Sephton slapped the woman across the face and she quietened down.

Heather Sephton was then heard to say she would get her when she got off the bus.

Mrs Harris said that before they got off David Wharton told the woman he would see that she was all right when she got off the bus. However after they all got off the abuse between the couple and the woman started up again.

Heather Sephton threw blows towards the woman’s face. At that point Mr Wharton attempted to intervene but Kevin Sephton became angry and threw a punch at Mr Wharton. The punch missed Mr Wharton but hit a window in the Burton’s menswear shop, breaking a pane of glass.

Steven Marsh, defending, told the court that the trouble started after the Sephtons were singled out for abuse as being the oldest on the bus. Mr Wharton was trying to be helpful but was assaulted in the process.

Mr Marsh told Judge Chalk that Kevin Sephton worked as a joiner in his own business and Heather Sephton worked in a local supermarket.

He said neither had been in trouble before and admitted that although the other woman was very drunk and abusive, they should not have committed the assault.

Judge Chalk said: “It is a real shame that two young people should be in court for an offence like this.”

Heather Sephton was fined £200 for the assault on the young woman and must pay her £100 compensation. Kevin Sephton was fined £200 for the assault on Mr Wharton and ordered to pay £750 compensation for the broken window.

First published at 11:48, Tuesday, 04 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk