A WOMAN who attacked a love rival in the street kicking and punching her in the face has been jailed.

Liverpool Crown Court heard on Monday, May 16 that it was the third time Rebecca Chisnall has assaulted another woman and she was subject to a community order for the second one at the time.

The defendant and Rebecca McGrath had both been in a relationship with the same man, who had had two children with Miss McGrath and there was long standing animosity between the two women.

At the time of the assault he was with Chisnall, who falsely accused Miss McGrath of not allowing him to "see his kids."

Chris Taylor, prosecuting, said the victim had been out and about in St Helens town centre and the victim was ejected from a bar after an argument with Chisnall, 23.

They met again by chance later that night at 3.15am on January 15 near a taxi rank, when Chisnall “grabbed and dragged her to the floor and repeatedly kicked punched her, mostly to the face.”

“Miss McGrath describes shouting out asking the defendant to stop but she carried on kicking and punching.”

The incident lasted for five minutes and her injuries included a broken nose, two black eyes as well as facial bruising and swelling. She described how Chisnall had “ragged” her, pulling her by the hair.

When interviewed by police Chisnall admitted she had committed the assault but went on to claim, “She has bullied me for a long time. I am very sorry for what I have done.”

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In an impact statement Miss McGrath said she has flashbacks and is on medication for anxiety. She said because of her facial injuries her children would not come near her from days immediately after the attack.

She is now afraid of meeting her again and only goes out socialising with people she knows.

Chisnall, of Newton Road, Parr, pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm.

Jailing her for 16 months Judge Brian Cummings, QC said, “It was so bad and so ugly and came against a background of your previous convictions and somewhat similar circumstances that forces me to the conclusion that only immediate imprisonment is appropriate.”

Graphic CCTV footage of the incident in St Helens town centre had been played to the court and the judge added: “You simply cannot do what you are shown doing in that footage and avoid going to prison.”

St Helens Star: Liverpool Crown CourtLiverpool Crown Court (Image: Stock)

Michael Hegarty, defending, said that Chisnall had “come to face the music.”

She had been with her boyfriend “for seven years interspersed with his relationship with the victim.”

He said the CCTV footage showed him clearly encouraging her to get involved in the incident and since it happened he has returned to the victim.

Mr Hegarty said she has had a difficult life and only days ago lost his grandmother who had largely brought her up.  

She has been diagnosed with an emotionally unstable personality disorder and her mental health problems caused her to lapse into drug misuse.

But he said she had barely drunk alcohol since the incident and her drug use  has diminished.

Judge Cummings also imposed a seven year restraining order to keep away from the victim.