Telford woman broke friend's leg in a drunken row

Rebecca Patricia Allen, 38, was given a suspended prison sentence to allow her to address her serious alcohol problem and other issues.

Victim Abby Brown's left leg was broken, leaving her in agony, after the two women argued at Allen's home in Furnace Lane, Trench, in October last year.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court, Judge Peter Barrie said told Allen that he had "narrowly" decided that she should get the chance to show her intent to tackle her alcohol addiction.

Allen was given a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, during which time she must attend an extensive residential course and be subject to alcohol treatment and skills training programmes.

Allen had initially denied a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, but before her trial the prosecution accepted a guilty plea to wounding.

The court heard that Ms Brown's left leg was already sore from another ailment before it was fractured.

Mr Kevin Grego, prosecuting, said that two women had been friends since childhood and had bought wine which Allen drunk most of before there was a verbal exchange which led to a fight.

"The defendant had grabbed the victim and was hitting her head on a chest of drawers. When Ms Brown mentioned her sore leg the defendant kicked her twice and then stamped on the leg," he said.

Allen had said that she was so drunk that her recollection was poor and she could not recall what caused the incident, but she regretted causing the injury.

David Ward, for Allen, said his client had worked as a social worker, but left for professional reasons. She was dismissed from her job at MoD Donnington when she was arrested and was now unemployed.

He said there had been "a bit of history" between the two women, but nothing to justify what happened. It was out of character and Allen was aware she needed to address her behaviour and drinking..

Speaking after the case, Ms Brown said she wanted to make clear that the attack by Allen had been unprovoked.