A FORMER servicewoman has been spared jail after the man she beat unconscious spoke up in her defence.

Deborah Barnes repeatedly struck partner William O'Reilly, who is an ex-paratrooper, over the head with an ashtray until he fell unconscious, Burnley Magistrates heard.

But she was given a two year community order with supervision after Mr O'Reilly addressed the court saying that she was "worth going the extra mile" for.

The court had earlier heard how Barnes, a former combat medic, had had an exemplary career in the Navy, had worked in Bosnia and had been one of the first women to serve on a warship.

She had turned to drink after her ex-husband returned from Iraq and attacked her and had been reduced to living rough on the streets and downing cheap vodka.

Mr O'Reilly said to the court: "This isn't a bad person. This is an ill person. I have a lot of time for this girl. She's worth going that extra mile for and in the fullness of time, if she can get though a rehabilitation programme, I can see us being together and leading a happy life together. It will take time."

Barnes had sobbed in the witness box as he spoke and said she was deeply regretful for what she had done.

She added: "He's a wonderful man and I love him to bits. I am sorry and I am not a bad person."

The defendant, now living in a hostel on Elizabeth Street, Burnley, had pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm on September 5.

The bench chairman told her she was very lucky Mr O'Reilly had come along and had been willing to speak up for her.

He added: "You are very, very fortunate today that you aren't going to prison."

Barnes, who had no previous convictions, was advised by the justices to contact Combat Stress, which helps former and current military personnel with problems..

Geoff Ireland, defending, said drink was a demon Barnes somehow had to tackle. This final incident had caused her to try and address her problems.

Mr Ireland said Mr O'Reilly had served in the parachute regiment for 15 years. He added: "He intends the relationship will resume if she can confront her demons."