A 41-year-old woman who punched her father-in-law during a row has been fined £750.

Michelle Elizabeth McKeown admitted an offence of provoking behaviour and was also ordered by magistrates to pay £125 prosecution costs.

Prosecuting advocate Chrissie Hunt told the court that McKeown, who lives at Tynwald Close, St John’s, was visiting her in-laws at their home in Peel on November 11.

She was said to be intoxicated when she arrived, and continued drinking once she was there.

There were said to have been historic family disagreements and on the night in question, McKeown initially became involved in a verbal altercation with her father-in-law.

She was said to be shouting and approaching him, and when he stood up to leave, McKeown punched him in the eye.

Police were called and McKeown was subsequently arrested.

The victim declined to make a complaint but another party who was present gave a statement.

During a police interview, McKeown agreed that her behaviour was of a provoking nature and admitted that she had been drinking prior to arriving at the house.

She claimed that she felt she was being bullied and admitted punching her father-in-law in the eye, which caused swelling.

The court heard that McKeown has no previous convictions.

Defence advocate David Reynolds asked for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea and co-operation with the police during the interview.

Mr Reynolds said: ‘Ms McKeown accepted she was under the influence of alcohol.

‘As is often the case, alcohol is a factor.

‘There is a history of issues regarding family members. The victim doesn’t appear to have made a complaint.’

The advocate went on to say that his client worked in a cafe and added: ‘She is not someone we are likely to see before the court again.’

Magistrates ordered McKeown to pay the fine and costs at a rate of £20 per week.