A CHAMPION Thai boxer who attacked her own sister was ordered to complete 40 hours' community work before she leaves the country for good.

Claire Anne Johnson beat up her sister, Emma, after an argument at the Flamingo Land theme park, at Kirby Misperton, near Pickering.

Johnson, of Cranfield Place, York, has now decided to emigrate with her partner and children - but must complete her sentence before she goes.

The Evening Press reported last month that mother-of-three Johnson pleaded guilty to the assault.

Now she has learnt her sentence at Scarborough Magistrates Court: a 40-hour community punishment order, which she must complete in only two weeks so she can move to Italy in January. She must also arrange to pay £200 compensation to her sister before she leaves.

Johnson, 32, was spending a long weekend with her parents, three sisters and several of their children in two log cabins at the theme park when the incident happened on May 22.

The court heard how she punched Emma on returning from a night out in Scarborough with her other sister, Kate. Michael Sandiford, prosecuting, said: "There are a number of aggravating factors in this case.

"The offence was committed in drink, and Miss Johnson is a trained Thai boxer, so any assault by a person like that is likely to cause worse injuries than anyone who isn't trained in fighting."

Victoria Latham, mitigating, said: "Miss Johnson is a trained Thai boxer, but there is no suggestion that any technical Thai boxing moves were used.

"The complainant describes the assault as 'repeated punching'.

"If Miss Johnson emigrates, as she plans to do, that will allow the family time to consider their feelings."

Presiding magistrate Victoria Shepard said: "Because of the circumstances surrounding this case, should you miss one appointment you well be subjected to an immediate return to court where you will be resentenced."

Johnson must also pay £50 court costs and £200 compensation to her sister.

Mrs Shepard said: "Payments must be made before you go abroad or a warrant will be issued for your arrest."

Updated: 11:25 Tuesday, December 13, 2005