Step sister arrested after Christmas dinner tension boils over into attack

A MUM-of-three was arrested on Christmas day after a family argument boiled over and she attacked her two step-sisters.

Zoe Howland had gone to celebrate with her extended family in Ashton Drive, Ashton.

The 37-year-old got up early with her children to open presents but later in the day a combination of too much alcohol and a misplaced comment led to emotions getting out of hand.

Firstly Howland assaulted her step-sisters and then kicked out at a police officer who had attended the premises to arrest her.

At Bristol Magistrates' Court yesterday Howland, of Bedminster Down Road, pleaded guilty to assaulting step-sisters Aimee Peckham and Emma Langley by beating.

She also admitted assaulting a police officer in the execution of duty.

May Li, prosecuting, said: "Police were called to Ashton Drive at 9.30pm on Christmas day last year. On arrival they saw Aimee Peckham and Emma Langley who said they had been attacked by their step-sister.

"Emma said the defendant had attacked her by kicking her legs and pulling her hair and she had visible injuries she showed to the officer.

"Aimee said she had also been kicked by her step-sister.

"The officer went to arrest Miss Howland who was sitting in the front room. She was intoxicated, aggressive and did not want to be arrested.

"She kicked out at the officer and kicked out during the arrest – breaking the fire place.

"After a struggle she was arrested and taken to the police station."

Miss Li said Howland gave no comment responses in interview.

Miss Langley had scratches on her chest and marks on her face, Miss Li said. while Miss Peckham had no visible injuries.

Miss Li said Howland had just one relevant previous conviction dating back to 2006.

John Stokes, defending, said: "During the course of Christmas day, as many families do, they had a drink."

He said later in the day a "probably innocent" comment by Miss Howland's step-father referring to another of the children as the eldest had upset her greatly.

"Even though she is not a blood daughter she regarded herself first in the pecking order," Mr Stokes said.

"This upset her greatly. She was tired, she had been drinking, and there was a boiling point. Matters exploded and she left the house.

"There was an argument in the street but when they went back in the argument continued. She lost her temper and attacked them.

"It is extremely regrettable and there has been a lot of upset caused by a probably innocent comment."

Mr Stokes requested a pre-sentence report for his client.

Magistrates agreed and released Howland on unconditional bail.

She will be sentenced for the assaults on February 28.