A teenager found herself back in the dock after she missed an appointment due to toothache.

Lacey Sharp, of Monkton, admitted failing to comply with the requirements of a community order when she appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates on Monday, December 3.

The court heard that Sharp, 19, had completed 31 out of the 100 unpaid work hours she was sentenced to as part of a community order imposed in July, but had failed to attend unpaid work appointments or provide acceptable evidence for her absences

Mike Kelleher, defending, said this was the first time Sharp had breached the 12-month order.

“As a result of the conviction Lacey Sharp’s life has rather fallen apart.

“She was due to start a brick-laying course in college in September, but they refused her entry in the mistaken belief that she had committed a racist crime.”

He added that the racially aggravated aspect of the offence had been dismissed by the court when she was convicted.

The court heard that Sharp, 19, had to apply for Universal Credit when her funding fell through as her college place was declined, and had been sofa-surfing while homeless.

Mr Kelleher said one appointment was missed because Sharp had toothache, and the second because of a mix-up.

“There was no deliberate failure on her part.”

Magistrates added ten extra hours to the order and imposed £50 court costs.