A mother allegedly fired a fake firearm at her former partner before running him over, a court has heard.

Lucy Halladey, of Little Oxhey Lane, Watford, allegedly drove to Clacton on Tuesday before launching the assault in which she also allegedly beat the man with a baseball bat.

The 40-year-old entered no pleas as she made a tearful appearance at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Hendrika Tatum, prosecuting, said: “The victim and defendant have been in an on-off relationship for the last three years.

“Yesterday, police received a 999 call stating a man has been run over and beaten with a bat.

"An imitation firearm was also produced, pointed at the victim and the trigger pulled.”

The court heard the victim has sustained cuts and bruises.

Halladey is charged with actual bodily harm, possession of an imitation firearm, drink driving, dangerous driving, and destruction of property and possession of an offensive weapon.

She was remanded in custody and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court next month for a plea and trial preparation hearing.