A MOTHER who slashed her partner's daughter with a knife has walked free from court.

Sharon MacMillan, 26, was described as a "troubled and vulnerable young woman" by Judge Anthony Proctor.

The judge said the defendant, whose health had been ruined by her addictions, was a "terrible physical mess" and a lot of it was self-inflicted.

He added MacMillan, who, 18 months ago, had artificial heart valves fitted which were not working properly, had pleaded guilty and had no previous convictions.

The judge, who admitted the case had caused him a lot of anxiety, said MacMillan needed considerable help and should be with her son. The defendant, of Rosser Court, Nelson, had admitted unlawful wounding. She was given an 18-month community rehabilitation order.

Roger Baldwin, prosecuting, told the court that victim Claire MacMillan, 21, who had previously been living with her father, had returned to collect a pair of boots.

She could not find them and asked to borrow a pair of the defendant's but was refused.

Claire MacMillan threw the boots, started a row with her father and the defendant, who was using a knife in the kitchen, grabbed Claire's hair.

Miss MacMillan then felt pain, put her hand up to protect herself and blood flowed. The defendant was lashing out with the blade and the victim felt a sharp cut to the side of her head.

She was taken to Burnley General Hospital, where she had stitches to her hand and skin near to her eye glued. Miss MacMillan had suffered several lacerations.

Kevin Donnelly, defending, said MacMillan was suffering from health problems.

She had a tragic life and had been drawn to partners who had not assisted her.

They had drawn her into drug abuse not only in terms of heroin but the regularity with which she used it. The defendant took the drug several times a day.

Mr Donnelly told the court MacMillan's medical report read like that of someone more than three times her age and was perhaps a frightening warning of the dangers heroin abuse posed.

He said the defendant had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and was not a woman who demonstrated a violent disposition.

She was rather timid and the offence did not involve planning or premeditation.

Mr Donnelly said MacMillan was bewildered she was capable of acting in the way she had.

She had lashed out, almost certainly not appreciating she had a knife in her hand and did not intend to cause serious injury.