Mum-of-five who left woman covered in blood after she glassed her at brother-in-law’s wake swerves jail
A MUM-OF-FIVE who glassed another woman at a wake has avoided prison.
Emma Cocker, 33, caused two wounds to Justine Galligan's face in the attack at the Bede social club in Amble, Northumberland, in February last year and left her "covered in blood".
Newcastle Crown Court heard Ms Galligan, who has since died from unrelated causes, had been left with scars which reminded her daily of what happened.
The court heard a funeral had been held for Cocker's brother-in-law and Ms Galligan had attended.
Ms Galligan, who had described herself as an alcoholic but had been sober for three months, relapsed that day and was asked to leave the wake.
Prosecutor Michael Bunch told the court: "She can recall waking up back at home and returning to the club.
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"She had little recollection but remembered only she was outside for a cigarette then something happened and left her covered in blood."
The court heard after the attack Ms Galligan was collected by a family member who took her home and called an ambulance to take her to hospital.
Mr Bunch said she had two wounds to the left side of her face, one to the lower cheek which required stitches and another, which was close to her eye, did not require treatment.
The court heard Ms Galligan told her family Cocker had been responsible and police checked the club CCTV.
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Mr Bunch said the footage showed words being exchanged between the women and added: "The defendant can be seen twice moving her right hand containing a glass towards the victim.
"On the second occasion the glass must have broken because shards become visible."
The court heard Cocker was "agitated" on the footage.
Cocker, of Straffen Court, Amble, admitted unlawful wounding.
Mr Recorder Richard Stubbs told Cocker: "You will appreciate, it is fortunate you did not damage her eye but she had scars to her face as a result of what took place."
The recorder said Cocker has caring responsibilities for her partner who was in a serious motorbike accident and an immediate prison sentence would impact other people.
Cocker was sentenced to 16 months, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements.
Recorder Stubbs warned she had been "close to custody" and added: "I trust you will not be in these courts again."
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Kate Barnes, defending, said Cocker has never been in trouble before and acted out of character.
Miss Barnes said Cocker has a good employment record and family responsibilities.