A Whanganui woman who hit her former sister-in-law from behind at a supermarket asked for community service over emotion harm and reparation.
Tracey Anne Watty pleaded guilty to the assault charge when she appeared in the Whanganui District Court on Thursday.
Defence lawyer Anna Brosnahan said Watty's relationship with the victim was past the point of restorative justice.
"She would prefer to do community work than pay emotional harm and reparation," Miss Brosnahan said.
Judge Phillip Cooper said the incident happened at a supermarket which was a very public place.
"There is obviously a lot of background between the them. An argument escalated when she didn't agree with you and you ran up and hit her from behind," Judge Cooper said.
He said there was a blow to the side of the neck and head.
"You have previous convictions and one assault in 2012."
Judge Cooper sentenced Watty to 80 hours of community work and one month of supervision.