A WOMAN who dodged prison "by the skin of her teeth" for glassing a former friend in a pub sobbed with relief as she walked free from court.

Colleen Robson left Charlene Pulford scarred for life in the attack in Harvey's Bar, Darlington, in June, Teesside Crown Court heard today (Friday, December 14).

Miss Pulford, 30, needed seven stitches in a three-inch wound on the top of her head, and had to have a fragment of glass removed from her scalp.

In a victim impact statement, she tells of how the attack left her feeling sickened and shocked at what her one-time lodger was capable of.

Former nanny and mortgage advisor Robson, 27, avoided prison more than four years ago for an almost identical offence involving a glass in a pub.

Judge Gillian Matthews, QC, told her yesterday: "It was unpleasant and it is serious - using a weapon in a public place causing a wound merits custody.

"I have had to pause long and hard to consider this. When you walked into the dock this morning, I was very clear I would be sending you to custody.

"Taking into account all the positive factors I know about you and that this was not a prolonged incident, I can suspend the sentence of imprisonment."

Robeson, of Haven Gardens, Darlington, was also ordered to pay £300 compensation and do 200 hours of unpaid work after she admitted wounding.

Her barrister, Dan Cordey, said she had arrived at court with a suitcase, expecting to go to jail, and added: "The thought has worried her greatly."

He told the judge that Robson cared for her disabled mother and brother and provided references which "give an indication of another side to her".

The court heard how the two women fell out about two years ago and Robson's attempts via the Facebook site to rekindle the friendship were rebuffed.

Since the incident, she has been barred from pubs and clubs, and Mr Cordey said: "She has willingly abided by that. She realises it has got her into trouble."

He added: "If she doesn't go to custody today, Colleen Robson knows it will be by the skin of her teeth and that there will be no further chances."