by Julia Roberts

A drunken thug who scarred his girlfriend for life by slashing her across the face with a knife has been jailed for eight years.

Despite being disfigured by Andrew Barfoot, teenager Sian Loundes has forgiven him and remains in a relationship with him.

Passing the long sentence on 24-year-old Barfoot, a judge told him: "This was a despicable, cowardly, wicked attack on a 17-year-old girl who was merely seeking to make peace with you.

"Knife crimes are the scourge of our society and you are the clearest example I can think of. Those who commit knife crime can expect deterrent sentences."

Barfoot, of Maida Road, Chatham, admitted wounding with intent and possessing an offensive weapon.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the couple had been in a relationship for only three or four months when Barfoot launched the attack on January 29.

Alex Wilson, prosecuting, said they had broken up after Barfoot admitted cheating on Miss Loundes.

But he started sending her threatening texts, telling her: "Wait until I get hold of you." He asked her to go to his home in the early hours.

When she arrived he accused her of being "mouthy" and ordered her: "Get outside now."

Once outside he pushed her up against a car, put his arm against her throat and pulled out a knife.

"I am p----- off with people keep mugging me off like you are," he said. He slashed her across the face and punched her.

Bleeding heavily, she walked off and telephoned the police. Officers arrived and saw she as still bleeding profusely.

Mr Wilson said the victim had a scar about 3in long. She was taken to hospital and needed about seven stitches.

But Miss Loundes made it clear she did not want Barfoot charged, despite saying in an impact statement the attack had caused her to lose her self-confidence.

"I would like to get a job but don't go out because people are always looking," she said. "I get paranoid. I cover my face with my hair but people still look."

She made a further statement saying she wanted the charges dropped, adding: "I am still in love with Andrew. We are still in a relationship.

"I don't think he meant to cut my face. He has never been violent before. I think he had been wound up."

Recorder Michael Turner said Barfoot had a controlling personality and knew what he was doing.