An American tourist who attacked a woman at a bar was fined $800 yesterday.

Lauren Soto, 21, pleaded guilty to a “shameful” assault on Sherry Flanagan at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

Magistrates’ Court heard that Ms Flanagan was with her husband at the hotel bar when Soto approached them.

She complimented Ms Flanagan on her dress but started to shout abuse at her when she ignored her.

Soto lunged at Ms Flanagan and scratched her before other bar users pulled her away.

However, Soto attacked Ms Flanagan a second time and inflicted bruising and scratches before she was escorted out of the bar and arrested.

The incident took place on Friday.

Soto, from Miami, Florida, said: “It should have never happened. It was shameful and embarrassing.”

Soto was ordered to pay her fine before the end of the day.

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