by Keith Hunt

A drunk woman who left a man scarred in a nightclub glassing has been spared a jail sentence.

Natalie Major was told by a judge that it was "not without some hesitation" he was allowing her to walk free.

But the mother of victim Matthew Hudd, 22, was shocked by the sentence imposed.

"It is absolutely disgusting," said Jean Robinson. "She should have gone to prison one hundred per cent.

"My son is scarred for life. He could have been killed."

Major made the unprovoked attack at Ethos at Gabriels Hill, Maidstone, on April 30 last year.

Affected by drink, the 27-year-old lashed out at the victim with a glass in her hand because of a mistaken view of what was happening, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Alistair Keith, prosecuting, said photographs graphically showed Mr Hudd's injuries. He was left with an 8cm scar across his cheek.

"It was a grave injury," he said. "A weapon was used. It is clear the defendant had been drinking.

"On a scale of one to ten, she accepted it was about six."

Major, of Kingsley Road, Maidstone, admitted unlawful wounding. She was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years with 250 hours unpaid work.

Philip Sinclair, defending, said Major had demonstrated remorse, shock and horror at her behaviour.

"She and other employees had been released from work early on the day of the attack and she started drinking early. She is not used to drinking in such quantities," said Mr Sinclair.

Judge Andrew Patience QC said committing such offences after drinking far too much was an excuse courts heard so often.

"To be in a state where you did not even know if you had a glass in your hand shows how such situations are fraught with danger where there is a perceived, albeit mistaken view, of what is happening," he said.

"It stands to your credit that you have no previous convictions and this offence was entirely out of character.

"I accept your remorse is genuine. I accept your personal circumstances.

"What weighs with me are the contents of four references provided. I, with some hesitation, have come to the conclusion I can suspend the sentence."

The judge added: "I would very much like to make an order for compensation for Mr Hudd but it is not clear to me just how long lasting the injury to his face is going to be.

"That matter will have to be left to be decided by another tribunal on another occasion."