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A woman who attacked Jehovah's Witnesses with a claw hammer when they called at her home has a long-standing 'drink problem', a court heard.

Kerry Mitchell, 44, lashed out at the three religious callers after they knocked at her home in Lott Close, Southborough near Tunbridge Wells, on January 9.

Mitchell later pleaded guilty to religiously aggravated harassment, possession of an offensive weapon and three charges of assault by beating.

She was due to be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court today (March 8) but the hearing was adjourned for probation reports at the request of her legal team.

20 year alcohol problem

Kieran Brand, defending, told Recorder Sarah Elliott QC that Mitchell had had a drink problem for 'the best part' of 20 years.

He added: "Alcohol in particular is an issue for this lady and has been for a considerable period.

"That is a particular issue I would ask to be addressed in the pre-sentence report.

"She is a lady who has had an alcohol problem for the best part of 20 years.

"She has tried to get it under control with the help of a GP but plainly there is still work to do."

Victim was hit in the face

Prosecutor Trevor Wright told the court the offences occurred when Jehovah's Witnesses were calling at properties in Mitchell's road.

He said one of the victims was seen to be hit with the claw hammer but did not realise himself until he saw bruising.

Mitchell pleaded guilty during a previous hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court on January 23 and the case was committed to the crown court for sentencing.

Magistrates were told she struck one of the religious callers in the face and 'caught' another on the shoulder.

Adjourning the sentencing hearing until a two-week period beginning on April 9, Recorder Elliott told Mitchell: "I cannot pass sentence on you today.

"I need to have a pre-sentence report so the court knows all about you, how this came about, and your difficulties with alcohol."

Mitchell was released on unconditional bail.