A disabled woman has avoided a jail sentence after beating up another woman in the street.

Paula Merrett, who has been waiting six years for a hip replacement operation, left her victim with permanent nerve damage and double vision after the attack.

She was handed a 60-day suspended prison sentence and ordered to pay £138 costs at Worthing Magistrates' Court.

She must also pay £250 compensation to Karen Crawley, the victim of the attack.

The blonde 27-year-old used crutches to support her in the dock as District Judge Jonathan Radway passed sentence today.

Merrett, of Pier Road, Littlehampton, was with three other women when she confronted Miss Crawley, who had just left The Tower nightclub on Clifton Road, at 2am on August 6 2005.

Merrett swore at her and challenged her to a fight.

When Miss Crawley responded, Merrett pushed her and said: "Nobody tells me what I can or can't do."

Miss Crawley swung her handbag at her, but Merrett brushed it out of the way and punched her in the face.

The blow caused a facial fracture, permanent nerve damage near her eye, a damaged tooth, and double vision.

Worthing magistrates heard Merrett then broke down in tears, saying: "I'm really sorry.

"I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm disabled, you don't understand."

The court heard at the time of the attack she was struggling with alcohol and drugs and had no permanent home.

Merrett had admitted the attack at an earlier hearing.

Judge Radway said: "You committed this offence recklessly.

"The risk of harm you pose to other people when you are in drink is significant."

He warned her she would go to jail if she offended again during the 12-month period of her suspended sentence.

The court heard Merrett only knew Miss Crawley by sight at the time of the attack.