EIGHT court hearings and eight months after she threw three sticks of rhubarb at her brother, Margaret Porter was yesterday sentenced to 40 hours community service.

She was also made the subject of a six-year criminal anti-social behaviour order (Crasbo) to stop her from harassing family members and neighbours.

Porter, 51, of Tofts Farm, Newbiggin, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, had already admitted common assault.

She threw the rhubarb at her brother William, 72, as he reversed his Land Rover in Askrigg in May last year because she thought he was laughing at her. The blow left him with blurred vision in his left eye and needing painkillers.

Yesterday Porter, who suffers from a paranoid personality, appeared at Northallerton Magistrates' Court for a hearing into the possible Crasbo.

Six witnesses had been due to give evidence over claims she was spreading false rumours and making inappropriate telephone calls. But an agreement was reached about the terms of the Crasbo, and they were not called.

The order bans her from assaulting, or threatening to assault any persons and damaging or threatening to damage property belonging to another for the next six years.

She is also prevented from entering or attempting to enter any property occupied by her son, Anthony Porter, or his partner, Louise Handley, without their consent and from acting in a manner likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Defence solicitor David Scourfield said her behaviour was not serious enough to justify the order being imposed for a large amount of time. He said: "This is more of a nuisance case, rather than a severe cause for concern."

But Harvey Murray, prosecuting, said people were living in fear

He said: "The local community feel that they have suffered the defendant's behaviour for long enough.

"The community as a whole does want the best for Margaret, but feel that she needs help and support at the moment."

After imposing the order, chairman of the bench Howard Charles thanked the witnesses for attending. He said: "We hope sincerely that the matter has been resolved. Only time will tell."