Drunken Woman Slapped Girlfriend During Pre-NY's Eve Night Out

Westminster Magistrates Court

A Romford woman slapped her girlfriend after a McDonald’s row during drunken pre-New Year’s Eve celebrations in London’ s West End.

Imogen Welsford, 23, of London Road, a supervisor at Romford Ice Arena, had previous violent domestic disputes with her partner and must now complete court-ordered rehab.

She pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court to assaulting Rachel Valderama in the early hours of January 31, last year in The Strand.

Prosecutor Mr. Edward Cohen told the court: “They are in a same-sex relationship and had been out at a nightclub in central London.

“At 1am they went into a McDonald’s and had a dispute with the staff over a lost purse.

“They went outside and got into an argument and a bystander saw her slap Ms Valderama around the face and they stepped in for her safety.

“The bystander said she was still aggressive to everyone and alcohol may have played a part.”

Police arrested Welsford and she was questioned. “She said they were drinking and got into an argument, but she couldn’t remember what happened because she was so drunk.”

She was previously convicted of assaulting Ms Valderama in Kent. “This was a previous incident of domestic abuse. There have been incidents between the two of them.

“Ms Valderama did not support this prosecution today and it has proceeded on the evidence of the bystander.”

In October, 2016 there was another violent incident. “A witness rang the police to say she saw the defendant, wearing just her dressing-gown, beating another woman,” explained Mr. Cohen.

“Ms Valderama opened the front door to police and she was covered in blood and had scratches and gouges to her face.”

The court heard the pre-NY Eve night out was a tradition amongst the couple and their friends and Welsford concedes she had far too much to drink.

She believed her purse had been taken in McDonald’s and was demanding the staff check CCTV when taken outside by her girlfriend.

Welsford admits slapping her, describing her behaviour as “unacceptable.”

The pair live together at Welsford’s mother’s home and have been a couple for two years.

She received a community order, which includes a twenty-five day rehabilitation requirement, and was fined £115.

Welsford must also pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.