A woman who allegedly punched a father in front of his five-year-old son has twice failed to appear in court.

Alina Korosteliova, from Quarry Road in Maidstone, had been charged with assault and threatening behaviour following an altercation in the Broadway on Tuesday, June 30.

However, the 31-year-old was judged unfit to appear by video-link at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

This hearing came four days after magistrates remanded her in custody.

She had been due to appear in court on Thursday, June 2 but could not be produced due to an incident in the cells.

Hilary Burdis, chair of Monday’s hearing, said: “Miss Korosteliova will remain in prison until Monday, August 3.

“Matters have been adjourned for a psychiatric assessment. She has been remanded for her own protection.”

Korosteliova is not known to her alleged victim.

Reports at the time suggested there was an attempt to grab the boy but police are not treating it as a child snatching case.