A WOMAN lost the sight in one her eyes after her former partner threw a dog’s bowl at her in rage during a domestic argument, a court was told today.

Barry Boyd, 51, pleaded guilty at Durham Crown Court to causing grievous bodily harm to the woman on the basis that he had acted recklessly, but had not intended to hurt her.

Robin Patton, prosecuting, said the couple had spent day drinking cider in the three hours leading up to the incident in New Brancepeth, near Durham City, on September 19, 2011.

He said: “They had been arguing and were not in the best of moods with each other.

“According to the injured party, she asked for a cigarette and he responded by throwing an ashtray at her. The ashtray was a metal dog’s bowl, which cut her right eye.”

He added: “The end result of surgical intervention was that she has lost her sight in her right eye and is at risk of losing sight in her other eye if her right eye is not removed.”

Caroline Goodman, mitigating, said it was a “dreadful and cataclysmic” event - specially for the 51-year-old victim.

Passing a suspended prison sentence on Boyd, Judge Paul Watson QC said: “I have no doubt whatsoever, though I accept the basis for your plea, that this was a reckless act without any intention any harm, certainly not serious harm.“Nevertheless, it was a gross and obviously dangerous act which has had such consequences.”

Boyd of Edward Terrace, New Brancepeth was sentenced to nine months imprisonment suspended for two years, subject to supervision – including going on a domestic violence programme. He was also ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid community work.