A LESBIAN shouted homophobic abuse at two gay men in a Bristol pub before beating one of them up, a court heard.

Rachael Lavis, 38, went into the Long Bar, in Old Market, on March 6 this year, and shouted "gay boys everywhere" and punched a homosexual acquaintance, Jason Barrett, in the face.

Bristol Magistrates' Court heard Lavis, of Armada House, Dove Street, then shouted: "I may be a lesbian, but I could take all of you on."

She then swore and racially abused a man of Arabic background, the court heard, telling him: "I hate you."

Magistrates were told that alopecia suffer Lavis had been so stressed about the prospect of appearing in court yesterday that a large section of her hair had fallen out.

Prosecutor John Penny said: "She was seen through the window on CCTV gesturing. One of the group, Jason Barrett, went outside to tell her to calm down.

"It was at that stage that she hit Mr Barrett. As a result of that a scuffle developed between the, with both sides exerting some force."

Lavis, who is unemployed, admitted battery.

CCTV shown in court yesterday clearly showed Lavis punching her victim.

Mr Barrett reported the homophobic and racist comments to police and Lavis, who suffered bites to her finger and a minor injury to her cheek bone during the incident, was arrested. But the court heard how the victim, who suffered scratches to his face and pain to his nose, no longer wanted to pursue the complaint.

Defence lawyer Sally Helliwell told the court that Lavis had not been in trouble with the law for seven years.

Miss Helliwell said: "She regrets it and wishes it had never happened.

"She has shown remorse and knows that her behaviour was unacceptable. She feels that after the first punch she was then assaulted, although this is no excuse."

The court heard how the defendant and victim used to be friends, but Lavis had recently distanced herself from him, because she did not like his best friend. Lavis had been in a lesbian relationship for 14 months, magistrates were told.

Miss Helliwell said: "Her partner has been a positive influence on her.

"She had an issue with alcohol four years ago. A very long-term relationship ended and her mother passed away. Her drinking spiralled out of control.

"She has since calmed down and is now only a social drinker."

The court heard Lavis was unemployed due to ill health but her lawyer said she was keen to get involved in volunteering and helping the vulnerable. She has severe depression, anxiety and panic attacks, Miss Helliwell added.

Presiding magistrate Sarah Sharp sentenced Lavis to a 12-month community order with supervision.

She also has to carry out 10 days of education training and employment.

No order for compensation or costs was given.