A teenager who repeatedly punched a fellow patient in a doctor's surgery has escaped with just a fine.

Stefanie Hawkins, 18, of Gunell Close, Croydon, said she attacked Toni Sear after hearing she had described her deceased father as an “idiot”.

The incident took place at Parkway Health Centre, in New Addington, on June 14.

While waiting in the reception area, the defendant, who was with her mum, punched her victim in the face before following up with a volley of blows to the head – in front of shocked patients.

Two boys, who were with Miss Hawkins, also traded blows with another man who had stood up for Miss Sear.

Croydon Magistrates, sitting on Monday, said they sympathised with her “emotional state” and handed her a £75 fine.