A mum-of-three has been ordered not to enter a Flintshire village for three years after she launched an unprovoked attack in a shop while wielding a knife.

Jade Foulkes, of Circular Drive in Chester, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old had previously admitted affray and possession of a bladed article, which took place in Treuddyn on October 24.

Alexandra Carrier, prosecuting, told the court that at around 3.30pm on the day of the offence Foulkes entered the Express Store in the village.

Complainants Donna Edwards (Foulkes' sister) and Elaine Davies were working at the store at the time, and there were customers present - including a number of children.

The court heard the defendant had gone to the shop looking for trouble, telling her sister to "get outside" and that she was "going to have it" when she left.

When Foulkes refused to leave, she launched a "totally unprovoked" attack on Ms Davies, who had stepped in to help, by pulling her hair and biting her.

The store's CCTV captured the incident, during which Foulkes had a knife in her hand.

READ MORE: Bagillt man sentenced for assaulting woman over weights

When she was interviewed by police, she claimed Ms Davies had shoved her - so she retaliated.

She accepted having the knife in her hand, but said if she'd wanted to stab the complainant, she could have.

The defendant - formerly of Maes Glyndwr in Treuddyn - claimed she'd been at home making Halloween outfits for her children and had used the knife to complete them.

In her victim impact statement, Donna Edwards said: "It has been difficult for me to get my head around [the incident].

"It has caused my whole family a great deal of hurt and it's caused a division between my mum and me.

"I used to love working there (the store), but I'm still struggling with anxiety over what happened."

In her statement, Elaine Davies said: "The fact a knife was involved terrified me; I was bitten to the face and had my hair pulled out.

"I saw on the CCTV how close the blade came to my face. I feel lucky to be alive."

James Coutts, defending, told the court his client was ashamed of the way she'd behaved and she hoped not to repeat the "desperate" seven-day experience she went through on remand at HMP Styal after she was first arrested for the offences.

Judge Rhys Rowlands noted that initially, Foulkes had faced an extra charge of assault - and asked why the prosecution had not proceeded with it.

The court heard her guilty pleas to affray and possession of a knife had been acceptable to the Crown Prosecution Service and the assault has been left to lie on file.

But the Judge said: "The appalling way she set upon that poor hapless shop assistant like a mad harridan, ending up biting her to the side of her face - how on earth is that not an assault?

"It's beyond me, I have to say."

Mr Coutts said: "She has lost her good character in the most appalling way.

"She understands [prison] is a very real possibility - anyone with a knife who gets into a confrontation runs that risk and she's come to court prepared for that.

Make sure you don't miss the top court stories of the week by signing up to our free court newsletter

The Leader:

"She is seeking transfer to Chester with regards to her housing and her young children have moved schools.

"She has also taken steps to start dealing with issues including anger management, thinking skills and emotional reactions.

"Into that mix goes, to a point, the mental health difficulties she has suffered on and off with for a number of years."

Mr Coutts said the offences had marked the "final incident in a downward spiral" in terms of her relationship with her sister - a relationship which is now "over."

Judge Rowlands told the defendant her behaviour on the day had been "appalling," and that she'd been "entirely responsible" for what happened.

However, he concluded there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Foulkes received a 10 month sentence, suspended for 18 months.

She must undertake 25 days of rehabilitation activity and was made the subject of a three year restraining order prohibiting her from contacting either complainant or entering Treuddyn.

A victim surcharge of £154 was also imposed.