Gemma Hollings hammer attack sentence increased Published duration 16 January 2015

image copyright Lancashire Constabulary image caption Gemma Hollings was initially jailed for eight years for the attack on Mark Kirkpatrick

A woman who almost killed her partner with a hammer and a broken bottle has had her prison sentence increased.

Gemma Hollings, from Darwen in Lancashire, also used a curtain pole to beat Mark Kirkpatrick after a row about money. He was found by a passer-by in the street.

The Court of Appeal increased her eight-year sentence to 12 years.

Lancashire Police said it was one of the worst cases of domestic violence they had seen.

The couple, who both had a history of drug problems, had planned to marry.

image caption Mark Kirkpatrick was left with several scars after the attack last year

The Attorney General's office said Hollings was convicted of wounding and assault over the attack at her home. She was jailed in October.

The case was brought to the Court of Appeal as the sentenced was deemed "unduly lenient", as the attacks "carried the risk of causing permanent disability or death".

The attack on Mark Kirkpatrick

Struck repeatedly on the arms, back and head with a ball hammer

Hit over the head twice with an empty bottle of ouzo, then stabbed in the neck with the bottle after it had smashed

Struck on the head, arms, back and legs with a curtain pole

Testicles grabbed, causing him "intense pain"

Mr Kirkpatrick required treatment for a fractured cheekbone and eye socket, a neck stab wound, bruises and cuts across his body and four head wounds

The Solicitor General said Mr Kirkpatrick was "lucky to be alive".

Conservative MP Robert Buckland, who is a barrister, said: "Hollings committed a series of unprovoked assaults on the victim within a 24-hour period.

"The victim suffered multiple serious injuries and significant psychological harm. Hollings has previous convictions for assault and this episode amounted to a horrendous and potentially fatal case of domestic abuse."