A MOTHER of three who attacked a woman with a broken bottle, causing 'dreadful facial injuries,' has been sent to prison for three years.

Theresa Dennison, who turned on her victim after a disagreement in a Blackburn chip shop, caused several lacerations to Joanne Watkins' skin, resulting in permanent scarring, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Dennison's co-defendant, 19-year-old Jacqueline Thomson, who threatened people with a bottle, was sent to prison for nine months.

Dennison, 23, admitted causing grievous bodily harm with intent and Thomson admitted affray. Both women, of previous good character, live at Flimby Close, Blackburn.

The court heard Miss Watkins and her sister were in the Happy Haddock chip shop when there was an "unprovoked" exchange of words between the defendant and Miss Watkins and Dennison pulled her to the floor.

Miss Watkins and her friends left the takeaway but both defendants carried on being abusive, went to a skip and each got hold of a bottle.

They then smashed them on the side of the skip and Dennison threatened to hurl the bottle into Miss Watkins' face.

Miss Watkins was extremely frightened and turned away but Dennison pulled her back and threw the broken bottle into her face.

Miss Watkins was taken to hospital by ambulance and had been "extremely lucky" that no damage was caused to the sight of her left eye. She had since made a "remarkable recovery." Kathryn Johnson, for Dennison, said she was sorry for her victim's injuries and had not been out drinking since the offence, which had had a tremendous effect upon her.

Dennison had lost a child through a miscarriage before Christmas and one in the week leading up to her court appearance. But she had discharged herself from hospital to face up to her responsibilities.

She had had a difficult upbringing in Glasgow and was most concerned about the welfare of her children.

Her three-year-old child was recovering from an injury and it was envisaged the children's father would give up work to look after them.

Miss Johnson added: "She has never experienced life in custody and is most anxious about that."

Representing Thomson, John Woodward said she had witnessed an horrific attack upon a cousin, lost the grandmother who had brought her up, had had a difficult background and suffered depression.

She had never been before a court and was very frightened.

She accepted and realised that custody was on the cards.

Thomson also suffered nervous debility after being the victim of a hit and run in Glasgow two years ago. She was not a violent person.

Mr Woodward added: "The offence is out of character and drink and prescribed drugs played a part."

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