A drug addict and hard-drinking mother who committed three violent offences has been jailed for at least five-and-a-half years.

Anne Rossiter (pictured left) was sentenced to imprisonment for public protection (IPP) after a judge said he was satisfied she posed a danger to the public.

The IPP - soon to be abolished by Parliament - was imposed for wounding with intent when 37-year-old Rossiter smashed a bottle over a man’s head.

Rossiter, of Pagett Street, Gillingham, denied the offence but was convicted.

She admitted another offence of unlawful wounding and two of assault causing actual bodily harm.

She was given concurrent sentences of 21 months for each of the other offences.

Judge Martin Joy said of one attack, also involving others, on Steven Laden: "That he didn’t die was a matter of chance. He was bottled four times. At least three bottles smashed on his head."

Maidstone Crown Court heard Rossiter was on bail for another wounding when Mr Laden was attacked at a house in Luton Road, Chatham.

The victim, from Ashford, and his girlfriend were there looking for drugs in December 2010 when Rossiter became enraged and hit out at him.

“There was then a horrific scene of violence,” said the judge. “Anyone who saw the photographs of Mr Laden after this would agree it was horrific.”

Rossiter’s then 15-year-old son Joseph Ripley ordered his Staffordshire bull terrier Demon to savage the victim.

"i am satisfied you pose a substantial and significant risk to the public…” – judge martin joy

In desperation, Mr Laden bit the dog to get it off him. Ripley kicked Mr Laden “full force” in the face, knocking out six teeth. He was left permanently scarred.

Ripley, now 17, of Marlborough Road, Gillingham, was sentenced to 18 months' youth custody for wounding with intent last month.

Rossiter and Jessica David, 24, had in June that year attacked Jolena Foster in Pagett Street, Gillingham.

Miss Foster was passing Rossiter and David’s home when there was a complaint about the noise outside.

The two women went outside. David stabbed Miss Foster three times with what she claimed was a piece of glass. She was jailed for 21 months.

The third incident involved Rossiter assaulting Philip Miles, 65, and Susan Newcombe in Gillingham last September.

Rossiter’s then partner Wayne Albone, 25, of Pagett Street, was jailed for three years after admitting robbery.

The judge said Rossiter had committed an offence of "high culpability and serious harm".

Her criminal record of 57 offences was described as lamentable. “You have a long history of anti-social behaviour,” he continued.

Anne Rossiter was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court

Rossiter began using cannabis at the age of 16 and progressed to crack cocaine at 21.

“I have no doubt drink and drugs played a signficant part in these offences,” said Judge Joy. “I have seen you make violent outbursts in court and there is little doubt you are on an extremely short fuse.

“I am satisfied you pose a substantial and significant risk to the public.”

Rossiter, he added, would not be released from prison until the parole board was satisfied she was no longer a danger. She would be on licence for the rest of her life.

Judge Joy said if he had imposed a determinate sentence it would have been 11 years. More than eight months spent on remand will count towards the sentence.