Leonie Young, 45, of Donovans Road, Warrnambool,  pleaded guilty in the koori division of the Warrnambool Magistrates Court to unlawful assault.

The magistrate and elders were told Young's son's home was damaged in a fire this week.

Elder Lenny Clarke said Young had stepped in when she saw a child being mistreated which was pretty courageous and something more people should do.

Police said that about 6.30pm on May 13 Young was pushing a grandchild down Glascow Street when she saw a woman yelling at a child.

She got involved with a woman and her daughter over disciplining the child.

The incident turned physical when Young started throwing punches.

Young and another woman fell to the ground wrestling.

Witnesses said Young appeared intoxicated at the time.

Young said she didn't care who's child it was she would always step in to protect a child.

She claimed five people were fighting her and that a young man had been punching her.

Young's last court appearance was in 2013.

Defence counsel Amanda Chambers said her client's actions were well intended but she had been drinking and did not handle the situation the right way.

Young was convicted and placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond.