A woman who was arrested in the communal area of the block of flats where she lives was found with a six-inch kitchen knife in her bag.

Tracy Munday said she had put the blade in her bag to protect herself after she had been attacked by a group of Polish people.

Police had gone to her home in Clifton Marine Parade, Gravesend, on June 29 last year after an allegation she had assaulted her partner, Philip Murfin, the day before.

Officers found the knife when they searched her.

The 54-year-old was arrested over the alleged assault and for possession of a bladed article and was later charged with both.

She appeared before magistrates in Medway in November and admitted being in possession of the knife in a public place but denied assault by beating.

Munday was back in court on December 19 when magistrates heard the assault charge was being withdrawn by the CPS.

James Nichols, prosecuting, said: "She was arrested after coming down in the lift. She has no similar convictions."

The court heard Munday had two previous convictions for drink-driving.

Defending herself, she said: "I forgot the knife was there. I would not hurt anyone.

"I am a full-time carer for my partner, hence the drinking. We are not in good health.

"I will try not to drink so much. I made a silly mistake.

"I forgot the knife was there. I would not hurt anyone..."

"I had it for protection as I was attacked three times by Polish people.

"I would not have used it. I am not a nasty person."

Sentencing was adjourned for a pre-sentence report be carried out on Munday.

She returned to court on February 15 to be sentenced.

Magistrates placed her on a 12-month community order which will see her complete an alcohol treatment programme for six months. She was also ordered to do 15 rehabilitation sessions with probation.

She was also fined £20 and magistrates ordered the knife be destroyed.