23 March 2012

Woman Jailed After 'Glassing' Attack

A Londonderry woman who inflicted permanent scars on another woman, when she 'glassed' her in the face, has been jailed for two and a half years.

Twenty-two year old Gemma Doyle from Malin Gardens admitted smashing the glass into the upper lip of 22-year-old Aine King, in Londonderry Crown Court today.

Judge Piers Grant told Doyle that she would serve 15 months in custody and 15 months on licence for the assault.

It is understood that the incident happened in the toilets of a local nightclub when Ms King was acting as a peacekeeper between Ms Doyle and another woman who were arguing.

The court was told that the assault on Ms King was an 'unprovoked act'.

Ms King, who was celebrating her birthday at the nightclub, had to receive nearly 30 external and internal sutures to her upper lip. Since the assault she has had restricted movement of her upper lip and has suffered physiological consequences.

It is understood that Ms King will require continuous counselling and that the permanent scarring was clearly visible at conversation distance.

The judge concluded that even though Doyle has no previous convictions and does not pose an immediate risk of serious harm she presented a medium risk of re-offending when she took alcohol.

(LB)