A woman attacked her ex-partner with a bottle during a dispute in the victim’s bedroom after both had been drinking wine.

Durham Crown Court heard that defendant Hannah Groves had travelled to the home of her former partner in Bishop Auckland to discuss an issue with her.

Charlie Thompson, prosecuting, said at one stage on the morning of February 4, Groves made a comment to which her former partner took exception, stating that it was inaccurate.

Groves then confronted her, punching her several times, but the other woman kicked out, to try to get her away, and so the defendant then punched her legs.

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Mr Thompson said when her former partner got up to attempt to leave the room, Groves picked up a wine bottle from which they had been drinking, and struck her with it, causing her to fall onto the bed.

Groves struck her twice more with the bottle, causing it to smash, rendering the victim briefly unconscious.

Mr Thompson said a call was made to the police by others present in the house, and when officers arrived there at 7.30am they were greeted by Groves who told them she had, “kicked the f*** out of her”, and that she had, “smashed a bottle over her head.”

The court was told the injured woman suffered lacerations, bruising and swelling.

Mr Thompson said she also suffered from concussion and some subsequent memory loss.

Groves admitted having picked up the wine bottle, one of two she and the victim had been drinking from earlier, and used it, but she said she had only gone there to try to assist her former partner.

Mr Thompson said the 36-year-old defendant, of Mexborough, South Yorkshire, has no relevant or recent convictions or cautions.

The court was told that she previously admitted a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm on the basis there was only one strike with the bottle, but she abandoned that claim prior to a scheduled trial of issue.

Elisha Marsay, representing Groves, handed the court several character testimonials on her client’s behalf.

She said at the time of the offence, in early February, she had, “a lot going on in her personal life”.

Miss Marsay said contrary to the image portrayed at court, the defendant has worked for most of her adult life in care settings, caring for people, so the attack was, “out of character”.

She told the court the defendant described her relationship with the complainant in this case as “toxic”, but has shown, “genuine remorse” over the events of that day.

Miss Marsay said the defendant is now in a stable relationship with a new partner and is engaged to be married at some point in future.

She said she has also suffered with long standing mental health problems and more recent general health issues.

“Despite those issues she has worked in care settings throughout her whole adult life, but, as a result of these proceedings, lost her employment when her employer found out.

“Her specialism and experience lie in care settings, so finding a new job will be difficult.”

Miss Marsay said that the defendant also acts as a carer for her seriously ill grandmother.

She added that given all those circumstances a community-based penalty may be the most suitable outcome for the defendant.

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Passing sentence, Judge Richard Bennett immediately told Groves he would not be sending her to prison.

He described the events of February 4 at that address in Bishop Auckland as, “deeply unpleasant”, with her ex-partner losing consciousness in the immediate aftermath of the attack and suffering bruising around her body, with the knock-on effect of memory loss and some slurring of speech.

“I have read the large number of references including testimonies from your current partner, your mother, and others who speak of a very caring person.

“A number express shock at what you have done and express remorse.”

But the judge did point to what was described as, “a lack of empathy” with the victim, mentioned by the Probation Service report author, with an element of each party blaming the other for what went on that day.

Imposing an 18-month prison sentence, the judge suspended it for two years, during which Groves must undergo 30 rehabilitation activity days, overseen by the Probation Service.

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But he told her: “This is a direct alternative to you going to prison today and for the next two years you have a prison sentence hanging over your head.

“Fail to carry out the rehabilitation activity element or commit further offences and you will be going to prison.”

He said the sentence should be referred to the South Yorkshire Probation Service, given the location where the defendant is now living.