A WOMAN who had taken a cocktail of drink and cocaine and viciously attacked an elderly pensioner in her own home has been jailed for 15 months.

Because of time spent in custody, Greta Cook can expect to be released in about four months.

Maidstone Crown Court was told that drug-crazed Cook visited the Ashford home of Patricia Lancaster in the early hours to ask for help to get home.

But after 71-year-old Mrs Lancaster invited her in for a cup of tea, Cook, 23, launched a brutal assault and set fire to her hair.

A judge said of Cook, who was working as a carer for the elderly at the time: “This is yet another example of the terrible effects of taking dangerous drugs. To set about an elderly Good Samaritan in her home is a terrible thing to do.”

The court heard that Mrs Lancaster’s life had been destroyed by what happened to her.

While on bail, Cook later attacked a female ambulance driver who tried to help her after she attempted to commit suicide outside a night club.

Alison Barker, prosecuting, said the first incident on September 18 involved an unpleasant set of circumstances.

Mrs Lancaster was at home in Towers View, Kennington, Ashford, when she got up at about 3am to make her ex-husband George, 82, a cup of tea because he was unwell.

“Regrettably, as she got up the doorbell went,” said Miss Barker. “Her ex-husband was anxious that she did not open the door but she looked outside and saw a young girl. She looked all right and was asking for help.

“Rather foolishly, she opened the door. There was conversation that she needed help to get home.”

While Mrs Lancaster was making tea, Cook suddenly punched Mrs Lancaster in the face twice and pushed her against the fridge.

“There was a bit of a struggle,” said the prosecutor. “Then she pulled out a lighter and started to burn the front of the lady’s hair. Her former husband tried to go to her assistance but was not terribly effective.”

Mrs Lancaster managed to pull her emergency cord. Cook used the lighter to try to burn through the cord.

The plucky victim pushed Cook away with her stick. Before Cook was forced outside, she smashed ornaments of sentimental value.

Miss Barker said drugs had made Cook angry and when outside she attacked the door and windows with a hammer belonging to Mr Lancaster. As she tried to set fire to the door, police officers arrived and arrested her.

Mrs Lancaster was left with bruising and swelling to her left eye and forehead.

“The shock of what she did that day to that elderly couple has been disastrous,” said Miss Barker. “Mrs Lancaster says the incident has completely altered her life.”

She had been active and enjoyed life to the full, but was now completely different. She felt vulnerable and did not like going out in the dark.

Less than two weeks later, Cook collapsed outside the Liquid & Life night club in Ashford. While she was being taken to hospital in an ambulance, she became violent.

The driver, Donna Terenzi, tried to calm her down but was kicked in the right leg. Cook continued to struggle and kick out.

Cook, of Spelders Hill, Brook, near Ashford, admitted assaulting Mrs Lancaster causing actual bodily harm, two charges of criminal damage, and common assault on Miss Terenzi.

Gemma Lindfield, defending, said Cook had no recollection of anything that happened. After reading in her local newspaper about what she did to the couple she was so appalled that she tried to commit suicide.

“She took £50 worth of cocaine and Ecstasy and a large amount of drink,” said Miss Lindfield. “Her problems stem from habitual use of cocaine and alcohol.”

Miss Lindfield said Cook resigned from her job in a home for the elderly after reading the newspaper report.

“She is extremely remorseful for what she did,” she said. “This is completely out of character for her. She has had a troubled background. She understands the impact on the victims.”

Judge Neligan told Cook: “I can only pass a prison sentence in respect of these offences.”

He jailed her for a year for the attack on Mrs Lancaster and criminal damage and three months consecutive for assaulting Miss Terenzi.