Mum glassed teacher from her child’s school outside pub

A MOTHER glassed a teacher from her child’s school in a drunken row in a pub smoking area which left the victim with a permanent scar. Kelly Thomas “saw red” and attacked the teacher, who was her former partner’s sister.

CCTV footage of the attack showed the victim approaching Thomas outside a seafront pub in Porthcawl before they both started to argue. Minutes later, the 38-year-old defendant threw her drink in the woman’s face before pushing the glass itself in her face.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday heard bystanders went to the victim’s aid, and could see blood running from her face. Prosecutor Jenny Yeo said the victim was taken to hospital and treated for multiple superficial lacerations on her face.

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 defendant, of Shearwater Close, Nottage, was “horrified, remorseful and embarrassed” by her actions. She later pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

In a victim personal statement read out to the court, the Porthcawl Comprehensive School teacher said: “The incident really affected my every day 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.” Ms 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.

In mitigation, Ieuan Bennett said his client was a mother of 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.

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 ordered to carry out a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement, to pay £600 in compensation, and made subject to a restraining order for five years.