Swansea Crown Court has heard how Emma Blackmore, 43, viciously attacked a fellow clubber with the heel of her stiletto during a drunken brawl. The assault, which left the victim with a permanent scar on her forehead, took place in the early hours of Sunday, January 29, this year.

Brian Simpson, the prosecutor, revealed in Swansea Crown Court that Blackmore’s sister had become embroiled in an altercation within OUT nightclub. The victim, demonstrating an act of kindness, was attempting to separate the parties involved when Blackmore intervened. Grasping the victim by her hair, Blackmore struck her three times on the face and head with the stiletto she was carrying. The impact could have resulted in severe consequences; the judge noted that had the heel landed marginally differently, the victim might have lost an eye.

Recorder Benjamin Blakemore admonished Blackmore, labelling her actions as “ridiculously reckless” and emphasising the potential serious consequences of her violent assault. The victim, in a poignant statement, expressed the significant emotional toll the incident had taken on her and her children, leaving her feeling scrutinised and humiliated.

The court also heard from a female bouncer, injured during the melee when Blackmore struck out, expressing her shock at being subjected to such behaviour while simply doing her job. David Singh, Blackmore’s defence counsel, conceded the appalling nature of the act and acknowledged that Blackmore had jeopardised her freedom, employment, and ability to care for her son with additional needs.

Despite the gravity of the crime, Recorder Blakemore opted for a suspended sentence, taking into account the impact immediate custody would have on Blackmore’s young son. He stated, “I am prepared to suspend this sentence principally for him, not you.” Blackmore received an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, along with a requirement to complete 280 hours of unpaid work and attend a rehabilitation course focusing on thinking skills and alcohol misuse. Moreover, she was ordered to pay her victim £800 in compensation within the next 12 months.