Police have released shocking footage of the moment a mum glassed a teacher from her child’s school during a drunken row in a pub smoking area. Kelly Thomas, has been jailed for eight months suspended for 18 months on July 21 after being sentenced at court.
The CCTV footage shows the victim walking up to Thomas outside the pub before they both began to argue. Minutes later, the 38-year-old defendant throws her drink in the woman’s face before pushing the glass itself in her face.
Nearby witnesses quickly intervened to separate the two women, and the victim can be seen turning away. The court was told how bystanders at the Porthcawl pub, who went to the teacher’s aid, could see blood running from her face as a result of her injuries.
The teacher was treated at hospital for multiple lacerations to their face and has since been left with a permanent scar, according to WalesOnline.
In a victim personal statement read out to the court, the Porthcawl Comprehensive School teacher said: “The incident really affected my everyday life, I have a physical scar and the psychological damage is significant. I really struggled to come to terms with what happened and how it has left me feeling. I have flashbacks and can remember people saying ‘Oh God look at her face’.
“My scar has changed how I view myself, I was a sociable person but now I have mental breakdowns before I go anywhere. I see it every time I look in the mirror and I have lost so much confidence. I am single and I fear being rejected because of the way I look or where it came from and the stigma attached.
“I check my locks in the house and struggle sleeping most nights thinking about what will be said and done next. I have never been nervous but now I feel nervous and scared when going out in Porthcawl. I’m confused why the incident happened and I struggle with my emotions.”
Prosecutor Jenny Yeo also said the victim was worried about seeing Thomas at the school and asked for a restraining order to be placed on the defendant.
Thomas was arrested and after initially acting calmly she refused to accompany officers to the police station and had to be restrained. Upon being shown footage of the attack, the mother of two children from Nottage, was “horrified, remorseful and embarrassed” by her actions. She later pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
In mitigation, Ieuan Bennett said his client was a mother to two children and was concerned about the implications on them if she was imprisoned. He said the defendant was of previous good character and was shocked at her “stupid and reckless” actions. The barrister said Thomas had been diagnosed with lupus and was receiving treatment.
Sentencing, Recorder Victoria Hillier said: “Your reaction was totally inappropriate and you are ashamed of yourself, you should be... On that date you lost control of your emotions.”
Thomas was sentenced to eight months imprisonment suspended for 18 months. She was also ordered to carry out a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and to pay £600 in compensation. She was made subject to a restraining order for five years.
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