A thug who scarred another woman for life after glassing her in the face and then bragged about it on WhatsApp has been jailed for nine years.

Annaliese Morris, 31, launched the horrendous assault on her victim who was enjoying a night out in Acorn 20, a pub in Kingston town centre in January.

The attack left the victim with a nine-centimetre gash on her face that was so deep it severed nerves. She has been told the feeling in her face may never return.

Morris, from Mead Road, Ham, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Wednesday, July 5 after admitting the assault.

After the attack, the 31-year-old was kicked out of the pub, which allowed her to make her escape, as police officers and paramedics swarmed the venue in Richmond Road.

But officers identified Morris on CCTV and by tracking social media from the scene, and were able to arrest her at her home in Mead Road.

When officers arrived they found Morris had washed and dried the dress she was wearing in Acorn 20.

Analysis of social media showed Morris had sent messages to her friends bragging about the attack and even included an image of the suspect posing with her injured hand.

DC Heidi Foley said: “This was a horrendous assault. The victim has been left with lifelong visible injuries to her face for absolutely no reason while she was enjoying a night out with friends in Kingston.

“I want to praise the work carried out by all of my colleagues in uniform who provided great evidence from the scene and the paramedics and staff at the hospital for helping the victim recover from these injuries.

“I also wish to commend the bravery, determination and courage of the victim and her friends who helped with the investigation.

“Let this sentence be a lesson to those considering assaulting others, we will not tolerate violence and we will investigate and bring those offenders to justice.”

The victim said: “The past six months have been a difficult time for me both mentally and physically, that night changed my life forever and is something I will never forget.

“From the night of the incident all way through my recovery, the police have been amazing. The encouragement and support from Heidi in the lead up and throughout the case has been incredible.

“A heartfelt thank you to both Heidi and Kingston police force”.

During the investigation, Kingston police’s licensing team and Kingston Council revoked Acorn 20’s licence. The venue is still shut.