Pregnant beggar in attack

Sonia Allen on mobile phone footage

A DRUNK woman claimed she was pregnant before lashing out at a teenager who refused to give her 20p, a court heard.

Sonya Louise Allen swore at the 16-year-old before trying to kick her as she lay on the grass in Piccadilly Gardens .

Allen, 39, only left the youngster alone when she was handed cash by another girl.

The shocking incident was captured on film and published on the internet, prompting police to launch an investigation.

When a community support officer saw the footage and recognised Allen, she was arrested.

Allen, of Tilton Street, Oldham, denied common assault and was due at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court for a trial on August 26. But she failed to appear and the case was proved in her absence leading to a warrant for her arrest.

Giving evidence, the 16-year-old victim told magistrates that she had been talking with friends in Piccadilly Gardens on Saturday, June 4, when she was approached by Allen, who asked her for 20 pence. She said ashe still has anxiety as a result of the incident and had not returned to the city centre since.

During the incident Allen was heard shouting: "I'm f****** pregnant with twins, all I want is 20p".