A 37-year-old Blackburn woman refused NHS dental treatment launched a tirade of abuse at receptionists who suggested she go private.

Magistrates heard that Josephine Mary Keys racially abused one of the women and threatened to slap another.

But defence solicitor Jonathan Taylor said the incident had to be viewed against the general frustration at the lack of NHS dentists.

"My client was in extreme pain and she felt that, as someone on benefits, perhaps the receptionists were poking fun at her when they suggested she go private," said Mr Taylor.

Keys, of Angela Street, Mill Hill, admitted causing harassment, alarm or distress which was racially aggravated. She was made subject to a community supervision order and ordered to pay £50 compensation and £25 costs.

Prosecutor Catherine Allan said Keys attended the Andrew Harvey dental practice but was told she had been de-registered.

"She was given the option of becoming a private patient and receiving the treatment she required but she became aggressive," said Miss Allan.

"She leaned over the counter and threatened to slap one of the girls and then made racist comments to the other."

Mr Taylor said: "Bearing in mind her means there was no way she could afford to see a dentist privately."