A CARE assistant who glassed her former boyfriend of two years in a nightclub fight and left him scarred has walked free from court.

Stacey Regan, 18, described by her tearful boss as an excellent carer who wouldn't harm anybody intentionally, was said to have laughed at her victim as he waited for hospital treatment.

She sobbed as Burnley Crown Court heard how she was terrified about what may happen to her and how her job hung in the balance.

Regan, of Fir Trees Close, Nelson, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and was given 100 hours community punishment by Judge Raymond Bennett.

Sara Dodd, prosecuting, told the court the victim David Thompson had gone out with his new partner, Kelly Neagle, who was a friend of the defendant.

The two women were on the dance floor at the El Tropicano in Nelson but later Mr Thompson and Miss Neagle were approached by Regan who had a half pint glass in her hand.

Regan was said to be mumbling and then lunged at Mr Thompson. He stepped back but the defendant lashed out at him with the hand she was holding the glass in, striking him in the jaw.

Miss Dodd said Mr Thompson was bleeding heavily, felt dizzy and went to Burnley General Hospital for treatment. The defendant also attended and was said to have laughed at her former partner. He left and returned later.

Mr Thompson suffered a one inch gash to the left side of his jaw and had been left scarred.

When Regan was interviewed, she said she thought Mr Thompson was going to hit her. She accepted she had been drunk, said she had forgotten the glass was in her hand and she had no intention of using it as a weapon.

Philip Holden, defending, said Regan, who worked at Calderglen Home for the Elderly in Colne was of positively good character and was highly regarded by her employer.

She had led an industrious life and it was very unlikely she would come to the attention of the courts in the future.

Regan had ensured she no longer had any contact with the complainant and his new partner.

Mr Holden said while the defendant had been going out with Mr Thompson he had assaulted her twice and even after the relationship ended in May of last year he would repeatedly shout abuse at her if he saw her.

Regan recognised she ought not to have put herself in a position where she came into contact with Mr Thompson but she did and a row followed when she was prevented from leaving.

The defendant believed Mr Thompson was moving towards her and quite instinctively struck out at him. She was shocked to see the injuries to his face.

Mr Holden said after Regan left the nightclub she was distressed. She went to the hospital because she had cut her hand.

The defendant had been absolutely terrified about the outcome of the proceedings.