A model says she will live with the scars after a woman attacked her with a glass in a bar, leaving her traumatized.
Kia Steward, 24, went out to celebrate her mom’s birthday at The Underground Gin Society on Castle Street. Steward saw Ms. Young, someone she knew but disliked. This happened early in the morning last year.
Steward could have avoided trouble and left the bar, but instead, she threw a drink and injured Ms. Young. Despite this, Steward avoided jail time, as the court gave her a suspended sentence because her record was clean, and she had a good defense.
Ms. Young’s statement said she felt disgusted and would have both visible and invisible scars. Ms. Young claimed she saw her bone, thinking she might die that night. She wondered what she would say to her family. When she got home, she went to her mom’s room, feeling vulnerable and childlike.
Ms. Young eventually re-watched the CCTV footage, reminding her of the trauma she experienced. Her sense of safety was shattered by the other woman, and the attack hurt her modelling career. People always ask about her scars now.
She struggled with mental health after the attack, as intrusive thoughts led to harmful behavior. Ms. Young doubts she can forgive her attacker and said she will live with the scars forever.
The prosecutor said Steward approached Ms. Young in the bar, threw the drink, and walked toward the exit. CCTV footage showed Ms. Young chased and grabbed Steward afterward.
Steward then used the gin flute as a weapon. The glass broke and caused a serious injury, which the prosecutor declared substantial. Ms. Young’s arm wound was deep, reaching the muscle; her shoulder also had a smaller wound.
After the attack, Steward left the bar, and people wrapped jackets around Ms. Young’s arm to stop the bleeding. She bled heavily, sitting near the bar’s entrance, said the prosecutor. Steward spoke briefly with Ms. Young’s friend and others before departing with a man.
When police arrived, they offered first aid and called an ambulance for Ms. Young. Police found a bloody glass at the bar and closed the bar for investigation, asking patrons to leave through the back.
Ms. Young went to the Royal Liverpool Hospital where doctors cleaned the wound to remove glass. She then moved to Whiston Hospital for surgery.
Steward celebrated her mom’s 50th birthday in the city and was first charged with serious wounding. She later pleaded guilty to a lesser offense.
Steward’s lawyer said the attack was unusual for her and the injury resulted from recklessness. He added there was no proof the glass was used deliberately, and the stem broke during the fight. The glass wasn’t intentionally smashed and then used, and references described her as caring and loyal.
The lawyer said the court saw only a brief snapshot of her life, as she had been good for twenty-four years. He called her mature and supportive, and a report mentioned her feelings of shame and guilt. The lawyer believed she earned a suspended sentence.
The judge said the incident stemmed from resentment. Steward lashed out impulsively, which started a chain of events that led to the assault. The judge stated it had a big impact on Ms. Young, and both physical and psychological wounds affected her.
The judge hoped everyone could move on eventually from the incident. The judge noted Steward’s family values and character references, which called her respectful, honest, loyal, and dependable. Steward wore a gray top and black shirt in court, and the incident will affect Ms. Young for a very long time.
He sentenced Steward to twelve months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for a year. She also received unpaid work, rehabilitation, and a mental health treatment program. A restraining order prevents her from contacting Ms. Young or entering her street. Ms. Young attended the sentencing.