A MOTHER-OF-TWO is starting a seven-year jail sentence after she hit a man in a Carlisle pub while holding a glass, leaving him blinded in one eye.

Naomi Ballantyne, 32, was enjoying a birthday celebrations with her husband Darren at The Cumberland Inn pub in Botchergate when minor violence led to her retaliating in a way that left her victim with life-changing injury, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

She denied wounding Jake Youngson with intent to cause him grievous bodily harm.

But she was convicted after a trial. Her 39-year-old husband admitted an affray during the same disturbance. He was given a suspended nine-month jail term.

Prosecutor Wayne Jackson said the violence flared on September 7 as the couple, of Stainton Gardens, Etterby, Carlisle, were having a night out.

There had been minor violence in the pub’s smoking shelter when Mr Youngson hit another man and also Darren Ballantye, who did not retaliate.

Later, in the pub, as Naomi Ballantye confronted Mr Youngson, Darren Ballantyne punched him in the back of the head. As Darren Ballantyne tried to strike him again, Mr Youngson struck out in self-defence. Responding, Naomi Ballantyne delivered her blow, using the hand in which she was holding her glass.

It shattered, causing Mr Youngson an horrific injury. “He sustained an injury described as ‘catastrophic’ and ‘life-changing,’ said the prosecutor.

The victim spoke of how the injury had changed his life, leaving him scarred and blind in one eye, and less confident than he was before. Unable to work for seven weeks, he had lost £10,500 in earnings. He had also suffered depression, anxiety, and pain.

Maria Brannan, for Darren Ballantyne, said he was disgusted at his behaviour. “He doesn’t know why he launched himself at Jake Youngson” said the barrister. “He would do anything to turn back the clock.”

A builder by trade, his references spoke of him as reliable, trustworthy, and respected. He was also battling a cocaine addiction, and regretted his 15 second loss of control, which led to such dreadful events.

Claire Thomas, for Naomi Ballantyne, said she accepted responsibility for the injury she caused and was extremely remorseful. “Her behaviour that night was somewhat out of character,” said the barrister.

A self-employed beauty therapist, she had suffered anxiety and post-natal depression but was now having counselling.

Judge James Adkin told Naomi Ballantyne: “There was provocation and a lack of premeditation but the ongoing effect of the loss of sight in his eye would mean this case goes to the top of the range.” He noted that she delivered a single blow.

The judge questioned her claim to feel remorse, saying: “I saw her give evidence and she barely accepted she was guilty of a section 20 [assault] and didn’t show a great deal of remorse...”

After the case, Detective Constable Kerry Gibson, who investigated the case, said: “This incident perfectly demonstrates the potentially life-changing consequences of drink-fuelled violence.”

“Cumbria Police and the courts will not tolerate alcohol-related violence.

“If you are going out drinking we ask you to be wary of the effects it might have on you.

“And if you find yourself in a confrontation or trouble, we would urge you to simply walk away and get safely away from any volatile situation.”