July 17, 2018 4.22 pm This story is over 68 months old

Women jailed for “very nasty” night attack

McLaggan told the victim: “I know where you live.”
McLaggan kneed her in the face and tried to gouge her eyes out. Connelly (left) and McLaggan (right).

Two women have been jailed for carrying out a “very nasty” night time attack on the streets of Gainsborough.

Stephanie McLaggan, 31, and Gillian Connelly, 38, both of Pilham Court approached their victim – Caroline Hitchens – when she was walking along Ashcroft Road at 11.30pm.

Lincoln Crown Court hear how the pair invited Caroline into their house before carrying out the attack.

Leanne Summers, prosecuting, said: “McLaggan grabbed Caroline Hitchens’ hair and started punching her in the face.

“The victim tried to get away but ended up on the floor. Then McLaggan kneed her in the face and tried to gouge her eyes out shouting that she was going to stab her.

“Then Connelly pinned her to the floor while McLaggan kicked her in the face. McLaggan then went into the house and returned with an ashtray and used it to hit Caroline Hitchens in her face.”

The court heard how the two attackers walked off after McLaggan told the victim: “I know where you live.”

Ms Hitchens called the emergency services and received treatment for her injuries, including two black eyes, cuts and bruises.

The court was told that she has been affected both physically and emotionally by the incident.

Judge John Pini QC, passing sentence, told them: “This was a very nasty incident indeed. It left your victim affected afterwards both physically and emotionally which is hardly surprising given that she was set about by you two.”

Gareth Gimson, mitigating for McLaggan, said that there were gaps in her past record of offending which showed she is capable of staying out of trouble.

He said she had a drugs problem but has been clean since being remanded into custody and hopes to remain that way.

Almas Ben-Aribia, for Connelly, urged the judge to take into account the fact that she has spent a number of months in custody awaiting the court hearing.

McLaggan was jailed for 15 months and Connelly was jailed for 12 months.