WOMAN’S TEETH SMASHED IN AFTER PUB PUNCH FROM MUM, 38
21-year-old hit because her friend looked at attacker’s boyfriend
MUM Kelly Rodgers seriously damaged a woman’s teeth when she punched her in an unprovoked pub attack.
The 38-year-old became violent after taking exception to how the victim’s partner had been looking at her boyfriend.
The 21-year-old has needed a brace and root canal treatment and may require implants after her two front teeth were damaged in the incident at The Auctioneer, in Hanley, right.
Now Rodgers has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Stoke-on-trent Crown Court.
The victim had been about to leave the pub when the defendant came over at about midnight on July 14.
Prosecutor Caroline Harris said: “There began an exchange between the two women. The victim made it clear she was trying to calm the situation. “The defendant said, ‘I do not like how he is looking at my boyfriend’.
“The victim said he was perhaps looking at him because he had big muscles. Her friend accepted he looked at him, thinking he recognised him from a gym he had previously attended. “The defendant said nothing in response but punched the victim to her face. The victim could feel blood in her mouth and went to the bar for tissues. Door staff escorted the defendant from the premises.”
Rodgers, of Grove Street, Knutton, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Rob Holt, mitigating, said the defendant is genuinely remorseful. She is in a position to pay compensation to her victim.
As part of the suspended sentence Rodgers must complete a rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days. She must also pay £1,200 compensation.
Judge Sally Hancox said: “You had too much to drink to ensure you kept your good senses about you.
“You punched a complete stranger in the face when you had no reason to do so.
“You now know the consequences of that for a 21-year-old are far reaching and lengthy, physically in terms of appearance and psychologically in terms of getting out and having a social life. It has just been devastating for her. All because you thought someone was looking at your partner the wrong way.
“Nothing I can say, no punishment I can give, is going to come close to making up to the victim for what happened to her.”