An exchange about a woman's disabled son led to her punching her ex's new partner several times, the Dunedin District Court has heard.
Kelly-Maree Cooper (42) was at the victim's home in July when she followed her into a bedroom.
While the victim was on the bed, Cooper began punching her repeatedly in the head with a closed fist.
According to a summary of facts the victim believed she was knocked unconscious and required treatment at Dunedin Hospital.
Cooper appeared in court on Wednesday, charged with assault.
Judge Kevin Phillips said he understood what happened might have been more complicated than the version Cooper and the Crown prosecutor agreed upon, but Cooper had not sought to challenge the facts.
"You accept through your counsel that you punched her several times, and it followed a discussion about the disabled son."
Lawyer Anne Stevens QC said Cooper felt a great deal of regret about the way she had behaved.
Judge Phillips noted Cooper was the main carer for her 23-year-old son and was responsible for getting him to work and helping organise his finances.
"Your fears for his future triggered your own mental health issues," he said.
She was ordered to complete 150 hours' community work and sentenced to nine months' supervision
She was also ordered to pay an emotional harm payment of $300.
