Warrant issued on woman after metal bar attack

Kerry Barker assaulted her 54-year-old victim in an early morning street attack last August.

The 28-year-old – originally from Cumbria but living in Caroline Street, Hetton – was due to be sentenced in March, but has since repeatedly failed to keep appointments with the probation service or attended at court.

Her case was before Judge Deborah Sherwin at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, who issued a warrant for her arrest when she once again did not attend to be sentenced.

Katherine Dunn, defending, said Barker has continued to miss appointments made for her and has breached bail conditions.

Miss Dunn said: “Reading between the lines, clearly she has moved back to Cumbria.

“She is not here today. I cannot oppose the application for a warrant.”

Once arrested by the police, Barker will be kept in custody until a crown court judge can hear her case.

The court heard at a previous hearing how Barker caused a deep wound to the man’s scalp, which was treated with staples and he was kept in hospital overnight for observation.

Barker had admitted unlawful wounding. The court heard Barker has previous convictions for violence.