A WOMAN has been forced to flee her Southampton home after being racially abused by her neighbour.

Melissa Bowers was left “scared to leave her home” following a number of slurs from neighbour Michelle Moody.

Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard that Moody had used language that was “racially aggravated” and aimed it towards Ms Bowers and her family.

The 50-year-old was found guilty by magistrates following her trial.

In a victim statement, read by prosecutor Natalie Angel, it said Ms Bowers had suffered so much abuse she was “close to a breakdown”.

Ms Bowers, a single mum, had had issues with Moody for five years.

It said: “I feel vulnerable and cannot carry on in this situation.

“I look behind the doors when I leave and I worry for the safety of my children.”

It added: “I feel so alone, disgusted and ill.”

Miss Angel added that Ms Bowers was now getting ready to leave the flats in Redbridge Hill.

The court heard that Moody had a previous conviction from 2012 in which she was charged with actual bodily harm of a female who lived in her road.

A probation report was compiled on Moody before she was sentenced.

The report said Moody “continued to deny that she had racially abused” her neighbour but that she did have a problem with swearing.

It said: “She has suffered with anxiety, depression and has made several suicide attempts in the last couple of years.

“A big element of concern is drinking. Previously she has admitted she drank three bottles of vodka a day which made her very aggressive.”

The report added: “She has a very isolated lifestyle now.”

Magistrates gave Moody a 12-month community order and a restraining order against Ms Bowers.

She was fined £100 and ordered to pay £50 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.