A WOMAN who was introduced to prostitution at the age of 12 has appeared in court after attacking a perceived love rival with a wine bottle.

Leanne Mayers, 25, from Crabton Close Road, Bournemouth, admitted wounding Laura Quaid after violence flared at a flat in the town on March 11 this year.

Ms Quaid suffered permanent facial scarring and needed hospital treatment for head and hand injuries.

Sobbing, Mayers also pleaded guilty to wounding her former partner Scott Collins, possessing heroin and three theft charges.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Angela England said Mayers had been drinking with Mr Collins and Ms Quaid when trouble broke out.

“They were in a separate room and she thought they were doing something she didn’t approve of,” she said.

During an argument with Mr Collins she struck him several times with a wine bottle which smashed, before turning on Ms Quaid.

Miss England added that Ms Quaid had suffered scars to her hand and “permanent facial disfigurement”, adding: “She still suffers numbness, restricted hand movement and possibly nerve damage.”

Mayers left the property but was arrested a short time later. During interview she said the attacks had stemmed from jealousy.

Defending, Jonathon Simpson said his client had already spent six months behind bars, adding: “That has been terrifying for her, perhaps more so than on the streets. She is in a drug wing but heroin is available. She is perilously close to slipping back into her addiction.”

He added: “Miss Mayers turned to drug and alcohol to numb the pain of her childhood experiences.

“She was introduced to prostitution at the age of 12 and injecting drugs at 13.”

Recorder Stephen Climie told Mayers: “I am satisfied, despite the tears that sometimes can be for effect, that you are motivated to change.”

He adjourned sentencing for three weeks for Mayers to be assessed for drug treatment, adding: “I was within a hair’s breadth of imposing a prison sentence.”