Woman guilty of attacking Ground Force star's daughter

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Tommy Walsh with wife MarieImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Tommy Walsh and his wife Marie attended the hearing

A mother of two has been convicted of wounding the daughter of Ground Force presenter Tommy Walsh in a nightclub.

Leanne Bloomfield, 28, from Colchester, denied using a glass shard to slash Natalie Walsh across her neck during the assault at Cafe De Paris in London last February.

But following a four-day trial, a jury at Southwark Crown Court found her guilty of wounding with intent.

Afterwards, Mr Walsh said: "There are no winners in this."

Scar on Natalie Walsh's neckImage source, MET Police/PA
Image caption,

Natalie Walsh has a scar on her neck from the attack

The celebrity builder, who found fame in the BBC gardening show, said his 22-year-old daughter, who was not in court, had undergone plastic surgery and deferred her final medical exams after the attack but had gone on to achieve a first-class degree.

"It was really tough but we are a really close-knit family," Mr Walsh said.

"She [Bloomfield] has two children. You should think about your behaviour before you go and behave drunkenly or laddishly."

When the verdict was read out, Bloomfield turned to the jury and said: "I didn't do it", before breaking down in tears.

As she continued to protest her innocence, Judge Peter Susman QC told the defendant to "be quiet".

He adjourned sentencing to 7 February, adding: "You must make arrangements for your children's welfare on the basis you are going to prison."

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