AN 'angry' customer slapped a bank worker when she became frustrated over a 'card error' on a chip and pin machine, a court was told.

Emma Smith slapped bank worker Victoria Leavers at Halifax bank in St Swithins Street, Worcester.

The 30-year-old of Woodhouse Close, Diglis, admitted assault by beating at Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday following the incident on June 17.

Angla Hallan, prosecuting, said Smith required help with a bank statement and had to use her bank card in the chip and pin machine but the card was showing 'card error'.

Discussion between the women then centred on Smith being able to produce alternative identification at which point Smith became 'verbally abusive', Mrs Hallan said.

"This included saying some very personal insults towards her and Mrs Leavers asked the defendant to leave the branch and this is when she went and struck Mrs Leavers to the left hand side of her face," she said.

"She could not say whether it was a slap or a punch but even four hours after this happened her face was still sore.

"This also resulted in a headache. She didn't seek any medical attention."

Another member of staff called police and Smith was arrested.

She was interviewed under caution at Worcester Police Station where she accepted she became angry and 'took a swipe' with an open palm though she could not say whether or not it connected.

"If it did (connect) she said she was very sorry," Mrs Hallan said.

"She said she regrets her actions. She does have numerous offences of violence on her record. I would ask you to consider compensation to the victim."

Mark Turnbull, defending, said the offence put Smith in breach of a suspended sentence order imposed in February.

Mr Turnbull said Smith suffered from anxiety and, on this particular day, had 'struggled to obtain medication'.

The probation service said Smith was engaging extremely well and was making good progress on her order.

The probation service asked the case to be adjourned for an assessment for residential accommodation at Willowdene which offers interventions to help offenders.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a week until Friday, July 29 for this option to be explored.

She was bailed to reappear at Worcester Magistrates Court but Harry Turner, the chairman of the bench, said they would not tie the hands of the sentencing bench at the next hearing.

Her one bail condition is not to enter any branch of Halifax.