Kelly Pasquali was high on cocaine and alcohol when she climbed through the window of Rosemary Duffy's home in Redbourn.

She stabbed the 60-year-old in her body, thigh and arm with a seven inch long knife.

At St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, May 7 Pasquali was jailed for 42 months after admitting causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Prosecutor Alan Landsbury said on the evening of January 12 this year the 30-year-old left her house in Stephens Way, Redbourn, and went to a nearby friend's home.

She had her two-year-old son with her and during the evening had a lot to drink. She also took cocaine and did not leave until around 11pm.

Nearby, said Mr Landsbury, Mrs Duffy was at home with her husband and when her door bell suddenly began ringing, she believed it was Pasquali.

As a result of this Mrs Duffy called Pasquali on the phone who was now at her own home and a row followed.

Pasquali then armed herself with a knife and went to Mrs Duffy's home. When she answered her front door, Pasquali stabbed her in the arm.

The court heard that the victim managed to close the door. However, Pasquali climbed through a rear window.

As police approached the property, Pasquali, now outside, said: "I think you might be here because of me." In the police car she said: "She deserved it - she beat up my two year old boy."

Bad feeling started between the pair when an anonymous call was made to social services accusing Mrs Duffy of smacking Pasquali's son.

An investigation was carried out which found nothing to suggest the claim was true.

Nicola Cafferkey defending Pasquali said booze and drugs had caused her client to act totally out of character. "She was shocked and horrified when she saw the extend of the injuries," she said.

The judge ordered Pasquali to complete half of her sentence behind bars before being released into the community.

CLICK HERE to tell us your news and views on the news

To see what others are saying online, CLICK HERE