A SOLICITOR'S career was ruined after her eyeball was pierced by a stiletto heel, a court heard.

Alison Honour, 44, has been forced to give up her profession of 22 years, can no longer drive, and suffers post-traumatic stress disorder after the unprovoked attack by drunken Clare Young.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the 24-year-old pounced on Ms Honour and her partner, Anant Kanani, as they enjoyed a night out at Flynn's bar, on Newcastle's Quayside.

The court heard how Young wrongly believed Ms Honour was mocking her as the lawyer signed to profoundly deaf Mr Kanani.

Robert Adams, prosecuting, told how Young followed the couple out of the bar and launched a savage attack on them.

A passing taxi driver stepped in to try and help, but as he hauled Young away, she lashed out with her stiletto-heeled boot.

Ms Honour, who was on her knees when she was hit, underwent emergency surgery to her left eye but was told the damage was beyond repair.

Ms Honour spent two weeks in hospital after the assault and was seen by various consultants.

Mr Adams said: "The impact of the injury may mean surgeons have to remove the eyeball."

Ms Honour still suffers bouts of agonising pain and feels self-conscious when meeting people.

Young, of Stephenson Terrace, Felling, Gateshead, admitted causing grievous bodily harm to Ms Honour and assaulting Mr Kanani.

Tony Davis, defending, told the court how Young had been drinking heavily on the night of the attack to overcome the pain of a family bereavement.

Mr Davis said she was devastated when she realised the impact of the attack on her victim.

"She bitterly regrets this incident in its entirety. She apologises publicly to Ms Honour," said Mr Davis.

Young was jailed for two-and-a-half years.