A WOMAN who smashed a bottle into the face of a friend has been spared jail.

Jayne Lane, 35, was told by a judge that her recent voluntary involvement with the probation service had saved her from prison.

The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox, told Lane to leave behind her chaotic life of alcohol and take his final chance.

Lane, of Waldon Street, Hartlepool, was acquitted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, but convicted of the lesser charge of unlawful wounding after a trial in October.

The jury was told that she lived at the time in a hostel in Middlesbrough and assaulted fellow resident Dean Knight after they got into a row following a heavy drinking session in May.

Patrizia Doherty, mitigating, told the court yesterday that Lane had significantly reduced her alcohol consumption and was benefiting from working with probation officials.

Judge Fox told Lane: "I think there is a prospect of you turning your life around. You have got to believe in yourself, but I think you can do it."

Lane was given a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with two years' supervision and a requirement to attend alcohol-awareness classes.