A woman from Cassington in the Witney area has received a sentence after her sister was left injured during a dispute related to caring arrangements for their father.

Samantha Brixton appeared for sentencing at Oxford Crown Court on March 27.

The 58-year-old pleaded guilty to a single count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm directed at her sister Deborah Hebborn, connected to events on September 11 2024.

The court heard that the two women had been sharing responsibility for looking after their elderly father, which had generated friction between them.

On the day in question, both women were getting ready to go to the funeral of someone they both knew, with each wanting to travel to the service alongside their father.

Brixton travelled to Hebborn’s home and made a gesture towards her face. When Hebborn raised her hand in response, Brixton slapped her across the face, causing her glasses to come off and resulting in a nosebleed.

Brixton then seized her sister’s hair and pushed her down onto a bed. Hebborn subsequently fled by climbing out through the window, breaking her ankle in the process.

The court was told that Brixton had referred to her relationship with her sister as marked by turbulence.

In her statement describing the impact on her, Hebborn said she felt astonishment at being attacked by her own sister.

Jonathan Coode, acting for the defence, said she had no record of violent or aggressive conduct. She entered her guilty plea at the first available opportunity. No additional problems have come to light. The relationship has been especially damaging. The arguments arose from disagreements about their father’s care. She fully accepts that she lost control of herself. She indicated towards her sister, who pushed her hand away. The whole conflict lasted roughly half a minute. She is a person of impeccable reputation. The matter was entirely related to their father’s care, for which he faces ongoing difficulties.

Mr Coode additionally stated she paid for her own legal costs. She had to dispose of family antiques to cover these expenses.

Mr Recorder David Rhodes KC observed this was an unfortunate situation arising from the poisonous relationship between two siblings, brought about by the pressure of jointly caring for their father. Long-standing resentments developed into violence entirely uncharacteristic of her normal conduct. The relationship cannot be mended, yet she persists in looking after her father. She has never previously been associated with violence or malice. The victim is her own sister. She was on her way to attend the funeral of a family friend. She was in a highly emotional frame of mind. Harsh words were spoken.

The Judge went on to say her sister spoke of the astonishment and psychological harm. She has demonstrated regret for the injuries sustained. She has been experiencing considerable emotional pressure. This was a spontaneous and short-lived occurrence. It represented an emotional reaction.

Brixton was handed a 12-month conditional discharge and instructed to pay £150 in court costs.