A WOMAN who launched a savage street attack on a love rival walked free from court yesterday.

Jane Carr, 33, punched and kicked Helen Finlay in the face after pouncing on her during a night out in South Shields town centre in January last year.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Miss Finlay had previously been boasting about starting a relationship with Carr's former husband.

Carr, of Mortimer Street, South Shields, told police she "wanted Helen Finlay to feel some of the pain she herself felt" following the split.

The court heard that Miss Finlay suffered a broken nose, had black eyes and felt "frightened and emotionally sick" after the attack.

Carr's friend, Tracey Chapman, 34, of Beacon Glade, South Shields, also admitted hitting out at Miss Finlay during the attack.

Both were conditionally discharged for two years.

They were each ordered to pay £250 compensation to Miss Finlay and £462 costs after pleading guilty to assault.

John Wilkinson, in mitigation, said the attack was a momentary loss of self control.

Judge Peter Cox told the pair, who had no previous convictions: "I am sure you do not need me to lecture you.

"It is clear you are both sorry about what happened and wish you weren't in this position today."