Ludlow mother facing jail for stabbing man in eye

A woman from Ludlow who stabbed a man leaving him virtually blind in one eye was today facing a lengthy jail sentence.

At Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday Sharon Hughes, 38, was convicted of wounding Shane Weir with intent. Hughes, of Sandpits Avenue, was banned from Ludlow while she awaits sentencing.

Her daughter, Stacey Mills, 18, of Fernley Avenue, Ludlow, was cleared of wounding with intent and unlawful wounding.

Both women had denied the charges.

Judge Robin Onions said he was worried that emotions were running high in Ludlow and warned that anyone taking the law into their own hands over the incident would face imprisonment.

When Hughes's eldest daughter, Kimberley, shouted abuse at Miss Mills as she left the court the judge sent her to the cells beneath the court until she apologised.

He granted Hughes bail while reports are prepared. He banned her from Ludlow and imposed an electronic overnight curfew.

Judge Onions also called for a report into the police inquiry saying it was inefficient.

The jury had been told Mr Weir suffered blurred vision in his left eye after being stabbed with a kitchen knife in the attack in Ludlow on October 29, 2010. He does not know whether he will get his full sight back.

Hughes had told the court Miss Mills had left home with a knife. Hughes had gone after her and taken the knife from her, stuffing it in her clothing.

But when a red van pulled alongside them with Mr Weir driving, there was a confrontation between Miss Mills and Mr Weir's girlfriend.

Hughes said she went to go between the pair but Mr Weir hit her and pushed her against a car. She said she was not aware she had injured Mr Weir in the incident.

Judge Onions told Hughes: "You took the law into your our hands and then tried to shift the blame onto your daughter."

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