A WOMAN who ‘glassed’ a former Hollyoaks actress from Blackburn and left her blinded in one eye has today been found not guilty of wounding with intent.

Sarah Harding, 21, from Nelson Street, Horwich, near Bolton, broke down in tears when the jury returned the unanimous verdict at Manchester Crown Court.

Harding had earlier admitted the lesser charge of causing grievous bodily harm by throwing the glass at Charlotte Davies.

Miss Davies, 27, from Feniscowles, who has also appeared in Coronation Street, was out celebrating the birthday of a friend, Simone Yates, at the Living Room bar, in Deansgate, in March last year.

The court heard that an argument started when Harding insulted one of the women’s mutual friends, Natalie Yates.

Judge David Hernandez, said: “The evening ended tragically with Charlotte Davies being blinded in the left eye by a wine glass thrown by Sarah Harding.

“The defendant has admitted throwing the glass and pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.

"She denies that she did it to cause serious injury but admits she acted recklessly.

“This has been a particularly distressing event for all involved.”

The defence claimed Miss Davies had provoked Harding.

Harding, who accepted it was dangerous to throw a glass, said she had felt ‘sick and awful’ when she heard the extent of Miss Davies injuries.

After the case Charlotte's mother, Susan Rebello, from Guide, said they were angry at the verdict.

She said: “It has been an absolutely horrific experience for us all and my daughter has been blinded for the rest of her life.”

Harding will be sentenced on April 4.