A VOLUNTEER who helps people with alcohol and drug problems repeatedly hurled homophobic abuse at her neighbours, a court heard

But mother-of-three Sophie Hall was given a conditional discharge for the three offences — effectively escaping punishment as long as she stays out of trouble for the next two years.

The 32-year-old pleaded guilty to three charges of using insulting words to cause alarm or distress at Bolton Magistrates Court.

The court heard that Hall had made homophobic remarks towards her neighbours on July 26 and August 1 in Nottingham Drive, Halliwell, and towards one of the men on July 29 in Bolton town centre.

Hall, who has children aged six, eight and 12, volunteers as a counsellor at St Luke's Drop-in Centre in Chorley Old Road, working with people with drink and drugs problems.

Adam Whittaker, defending, said Hall had previously had a drink problem and could not remember what she said to the two men, but was "shocked and embarrassed" by her behaviour.

Mr Whittaker said Hall had turned to drink after the death of her mother and had also lost custody of her children.

He said: “She understands that these are serious matters. She volunteers three times a week at St Luke's because she wants to help others.”

Hall told the court her actions were "completely out of character".

The length of the conditional discharge was increased from 18 months to two years because of the homophobic nature of the abuse.

Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, said: “The two victims are not motivated by revenge. They just don’t want this to happen to them again.”

Chairman of the bench Peter Sloan told Hall: “It is really important that you keep your act together and behave yourself over the next two years.

“If you commit any further offences, the court will look at them in a totally different way.”

Hall, of Nottingham Drive, Halliwell, was ordered to pay £200 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

She was also given a 12-month restraining order from both men, meaning she cannot come into contact with them directly or indirectly during this period.

Speaking after the court case, one of the victims, who asked not to be named, said: "I just want to forget that it happened and move on with my life."