A mum-of three whispered "I love you" to her daughter after being jailed for a drunken glass attack on a stranger.

Sozzled Michelle Allman took exception to a woman sitting in the Skuba Bar in Folkestone and lashed out, leaving her victim scarred for life.

Prosecutor Alastair Walker had told Canterbury Crown Court how she ordered the woman to move.

And when victim Ruby Maxwell refused, Allman threw her handbag across the room before smashing a drinking glass in her face.

Judge Heather Norton heard that although the face and neck injuries weren’t as serious as they could have been, Ms Maxwell had been left scarred for life.

Now Allman, 37, of Wiles Avenue, New Romney, has been sent to prison for two and a half years after admitting a charge of wounding with intent.

"She struggles to explain what happened, except that in drink she starts feeling angry" - Phil Rowley, defending

As she was led away she whispered "I love you" to her eldest daughter and other friends sitting in the public gallery.

Mr Walker said Ms Maxwell had been a total stranger to Allman who had gone to the bar in February this year.

“Allman had been drinking earlier and went up to Ms Maxwell and asked her to move from where she was sitting. Ms Maxwell refused.

“The defendant then became aggressive, picked up Ms Maxwell’s bags and threw them across the floor. Again Ms Maxwell sat her ground.

“Allman then finished her drink and in a rage smashed her glass into the side causing her injuries," he added.

Allman then left but was arrested minutes later and told the officers: “I’m guilty. I am sorry and I will plead guilty and accept the consequences.”

Mr Walker said the victim didn’t need hospital treatment but has been left with three scars “which she has been told may never heal”.

The court heard that Allman has a previous conviction for assault and two police cautions for public order offences.

Her lawyer Phil Rowley said: “This happened when she was in drink and the victim was wholly blameless.

“Her behaviour was totally out of character and she struggles to explain what happened, except that in drink she starts feeling angry.”

Judge Norton told her: “Given that, it is probably best you never touch alcohol at all.”

She added that Allman could have blinded her victim and was fortunate the injuries weren’t more serious.