A TEENAGE girl who attacked a woman getting on to a bus has been let off with a police caution.

Jodie Ainsworth, aged 22, was left unconscious and suffered a broken nose in the brutal attack at Great Moor Street bus station.

Miss Ainsworth, who had been to see a therapist in Bolton, said that as she was about to board a bus home to Kearsley, a woman walked passed her and said her name.

It is alleged that then, the 18-year-old launched an attack on her, punching her in the face and causing a broken nose and black eye.

Miss Ainsworth said she was knocked unconscious and people in a charity shop came out to her aid.

She was taken to hospital for treatment and needed stitches to her face.

Miss Ainsworth said: “She kept punching me and I fell to the ground. I cannot see through my left eye and have a broken nose.

“I have anxiety problems and was in town to see my therapist. Now this has made things so much worse.

“She was arrested by police, but because she said sorry they have let her off with a caution.

“I can’t believe that she has assaulted me in broad daylight and only got a caution. I don’t think it is enough for what she has done to me.”

The incident happened at 12.15pm on Friday.

Insp Charlotte Cadden, of Bolton police, said: “An offender's right to receive a caution is based on several factors and not just the victim's wishes.

“The offender was cautioned in this instance because she showed remorse, issued an apology on interview (which was passed on to the victim) and she had no previous convictions for assault.

“The police are able to make disposal decisions without referral to the CPS in these circumstances. Had we taken the case to CPS for review, they would have referred it back to the police for caution.

“A caution is classed as a conviction and will have a bearing on any future re-offending and how those offences are dealt with, as well as other implications.”