A YOUNG mum infected with a serious blood condition has been jailed after being told she put other lives at risk by brawling in the street.

A court heard that 21-year-old Katy Donnelly was a danger to the women she attacked because of the risk of cross-infection from spilled blood.

Donnelly, of Station Road, Huncoat, was given an eight-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to assault and causing actual bodily harm. But her mum, Julie Donnelly, said the worst punishment was being separated from her three-year-old son.

Mrs Donnelly, 44, added: "There is no denying what she has done, that it was wrong or that she is sorry. Katy will miss dressing up her son for Hallowe'en, celebrating his birthday, and seeing him opening his Christmas presents."

Donnelly was described in glowing character references as caring and sensible - and Judge Beverley Lunt said it was difficult to reconcile her with the "monstrous, violent woman" who inflicted "appalling and nasty" injuries captured on CCTV footage. Donnelly had been on a night out in February with a male friend in Accrington after finishing a shift at a pub when she became involved in the altercation.

Burnley Crown Court heard how the defendant rolled around fighting with one victim, pulling her hair and kicking out. The second victim was deliberately targeted after she had moved away to a telephone box to escape the trouble. She was struck, dragged by the hair and twisted and thrown around on the ground.Meghann McTague, defending, told the hearing Donnelly had lost her temper after a culmination of incidents that night and her conduct was completely out of character.

Miss McTague added that people in Donnelly's community were now aware of her "very personal condition" and that had been a very difficult part of her case to deal with. The anxiety of her case and knowing that her condition would become public knowledge was already a punishment.

The barrister urged the court to make a community order or to pass a suspended sentence if the court decided only custody was appropriate.

Mrs Donnelly had written a letter to the court to say she could not understand her daughter's behaviour. Speaking after the sentencing, she added: "She has never been in trouble before, not even a slapped wrist. She is a brilliant daughter.

"She is a normal bubbly 21 year-old and a fantastic little mum."

Donnelly had no previous convictions. However, the judge said the courts had to deter such street violence, whether it be at the hands of men or women. She said Donnelly's behaviour had given her grave concern, especially because of her medical condition.

The judge said the defendant had to go to jail, but she was imposing the shortest sentence possible and said: "Unlike you on that night, I bear in mind the needs of your young son."

Mrs Donnelly said that the boy was already missing his mother and added: "The first night she wasn't here, he would not go to sleep. We have told him she is at work."