AN Ely woman who knocked her friend unconscious after an all-day drinking session has narrowly avoided a prison sentence. The victim was taken to hospital in an ambulance and needed a gash to her eye gluing together. Sherrie Rands, 25, of Abbots Way went

AN Ely woman who knocked her friend unconscious after an all-day drinking session has narrowly avoided a prison sentence.

The victim was taken to hospital in an ambulance and needed a gash to her eye gluing together.

Sherrie Rands, 25, of Abbots Way went drinking in Ely with friend Miranda Bell on October 16.

At Ely Magistrates' Court last Thursday, prosecutor Penny Cannon said: "They drank for several hours in Ely and then continued drinking in Ms Rands' home

"Ms Bell was very drunk and can not remember everything clearly. Ms Rands hit Ms Bell on her left eye twice and she passed out.

"The next thing she remembers is Ms Rands, Ms Rands' mother and a friend standing over her and taking her outside for fresh air.

"She suffered a badly bruised, swollen eye and bruised wrists."

Rands has previous a caution for a common assault carried out on Ms Bell in June.

Michael Judkins, mitigating, said: "This would not have happened if the two women had not been drinking excessively.

"Ms Bell became very aggressive in Ms Rands' home and threw her jacket on to the floor for no apparent reason. Ms Rands told her to leave and she did not do this, but started walking towards her and raised her arms.

"My client admits she should have pushed her away and not punched her. She also only threw one punch and she sought assistance after Ms Bell became unconscious.

"When Ms Rands was shown photographs of the injuries she was deeply shocked.

"Ms Rands has had recent mental health problems and has made an appointment to see a psychiatrist."

Presiding magistrate Sue Griffin said: "You have caused some very nasty injuries and you must have hit this woman with some force.

"We looked at all options including a prison sentence. We got very close to that."

Rands was ordered to carry out 18 months' supervision with the probation service and undertake 180 hours of unpaid work.

She was also instructed to pay �150 compensation to her victim and �85 court costs.