A WOMAN who launched a brutal, unprovoked attack on another woman has been jailed for six months.

Blackburn magistrates heard Kelly Roberts punched her victim about 15 times as she curled up in a ball shouting for help.

Two men, who were with Roberts, laughed as she attacked the other woman, punching her repeatedly and then dragging her around the floor by her hair.

The victim said she was terrified during the two-minute attack and her face was left swollen and numb.

Roberts, 35, of Selborne Mews, Blackburn, initially denied assaulting Natalie Long causing her actual bodily harm but failed to turn up for her trial and the case was proved in her absence.

She was jailed for 26 weeks, ordered to pay £200 compensation and made subject to a restraining order for two years which prohibits her having any contact with Miss Long or entering Avenue Parade in Accrington.

Scott Parker, prosecuting, said the victim was walking from Blackburn railway station towards Morrisons at about 6.40 pm when Roberts came behind her and grabbed her shoulder.

"She said something about the other woman having some photographs but she didn't know what she was talking about," said Mr Parker.

"The defendant then attacked her, punching her about 15 times to the face and head and dragging her around the floor by her hair.

"The attack only ended when a member of the public shouted over."

Ian Huggan, defending, said his client had been out of trouble between 2014 and 2019 and was again trying to move away from the problems she has had in the past.

"She has been working with Inspire and is on a Methadone prescription which she collects daily," said Mr Huggan.

"She is someone who would benefit greatly from the involvement of the probation service."