A man has walked free today despite receiving a jail sentence, after he wounded his ex-partner in a ‘brutal attack’.

Mirza Farid, 27, of Gloucester Road, Blackburn, appeared at Crown Court in Preston on Wednesday, October 12, to be sentenced after pleading guilty to wounding and grievous bodily harm.

Paul Brookwell, prosecuting, told the court how Farid went to his girlfriend of two years at the time's address in New Church Close, Blackburn, on May 19 at 6.30am.

They had both had been drinking alcohol through the night, and Farid proceeded to pick up a mirror off the fireplace before smashing it on the floor.

Farid sat down in the living room before he moved over to his ex-partner and punched her in the face, causing her to have a split lip and her teeth to become loose.

She began to cry, and Farid attacked her further, picking up a shard of glass from the broken mirror and stabbing her in the back of the neck.

Further injuries were then inflicted, and she said she feared for her life.

Farid then grabbed her breast and she described the incident as a brutal attack and she was hysterical.

Police were called, and Farid was arrested at the premises and photographs were taken of the victim's multiple injuries.

Mitigating for Farid, Hugh Barton, told the court the offences were committed in a domestic setting and Farid said the relationship was toxic and both were at fault at times.

Mr Barton said while it was an extremely unpleasant incident, it was not one leaving lasting injuries, but the court cannot lose sight of the injuries made.

He said Farid has depression and anxiety and has spent time in custody, which he has used to get a job in the prison kitchen and hopes to get a qualification in cooking when out of prison.

He also has no previous convictions.

Recorder Barry Searle said the victim feared for her life and called it a ‘brutal attack’ which has had a profound impact on the victim's life.

Mr Searle said: “I believe it was a toxic relationship and it was a serious attack."

The court heard Farid has already served a five-month custodial sentence as he was remanded in custody in May this year.

Farid was sentenced to nine months imprisonment but was allowed to walk free from court as he has already served more than half his sentence on remand.

He was handed a restraining order for five years and is on licence for 12 months, and was advised to work with probation to complete a Building Better Relationships course.