A WOMAN who assaulted a stranger with a stiletto heel, causing permanent disfigurement, has been ordered to pay £500 compensation to her victim.

Catherine Quigley pleaded guilty to assaulting another woman, by striking her on the head with a stiletto, on November 1 last year at the bus stop near Boot on Prestwick's Main Street.

The 24-year-old appeared before Sheriff Mhairi MacTaggart last week at Ayr Sheriff Court.

Depute Fiscal Lynda Carnochan said: "The accused and three friends were walking in Prestwick Main Street around 2.30am and stopped at the bus stop.

"At this time another group walked past. Quigley struck the complainer to the face below her right eye. Police were on patrol and were informed by witnesses what had happened.

"The accused was seen walking across the road into a taxi. The police made their way towards her and spoke to her."

The court heard that an ambulance attended the scene and although she did not require stitches services said the woman, who is from Galston, may have been permanently disfigured but an email from her GP said it was unable to clarify this.

Speaking on her behalf Defence Solicitor McCaig of Doonan McCaig solicitors said: "She lives with her parents and works two jobs. This is a wholly isolated event. It comes out of character.

"She comes from a solid family background."

Sheriff MacTaggart responded: "I can see that from the report."

Addressing the dock she continued: "This is a prime example of what can happen when you have had too much to drink. I am prepared to say this is out of character.

"There will be permanent disfigurement but I am not sure what scale of this damage is."

Quigley who is from Glasgow has been told to pay £500 compensation within six months. Sentence has been deferred with a receipt to be produced when the case is next called.