A HEAVILY pregnant woman has escaped a prison sentence for twice breaching the conditions of an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO). Adele Field, of Cavell Walk in Stevenage, was involved in two altercations with her neighbours in September last year, Stev

A HEAVILY pregnant woman has escaped a prison sentence for twice breaching the conditions of an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO).

Adele Field, of Cavell Walk in Stevenage, was involved in two altercations with her neighbours in September last year, Stevenage Magistrates Court heard on Friday.

The terms of a three-year ASBO imposed on her in January 2007 prohibit her from behaving in an abusive and insulting manner.

But when Field, 24, was arrested, she pleaded guilty to arguing with a neighbour and threatening to slash a visitor's tyres, claiming the parked car was blocking her drive.

She pleaded not guilty to being abusive and insulting towards the neighbour's mother later that same day, but changed her plea to guilty two to three weeks before the trial.

At the time of these two incidents, Field was serving a community order for breaching the ASBO three times.

Field, who is expecting her fourth child, wept in court as her solicitor David Stott described her volatile upbringing, referring to her as a "damaged woman".

He said she had experienced aggression and abusive, violent behaviour at home, and had subsequently been involved in two relationships with violent partners.

He said: "Her history has resulted in her current situation."

Sentencing Field, the magistrate said "prison was a real option", adding: "Your behaviour is quite frankly appalling. Conflict is always around you and you need to work with it and deal with it."

Field was given an 18-month community order. She has also had her ASBO extended until September 13, 2010, and must complete a women's programme, an employment, training and education programme, and pay costs of �150.