A RESIDENT at the former Calderstones hospital in Whalley threw a cup of scalding hot tea in a carers face because she was watching how much sugar she put in.

Blackburn magistrates heard Rachel Aldcroft immediately regretted the attack on the member of staff who needed hospital treatment for burns.

Aldcroft, 27, of Mersey Care NHS Trust, Mitton Road, pleaded guilty to assaulting Toni Burrows. She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £300 compensation.

Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said Miss Burrows was monitoring how many sugars Aldcroft put in her tea because there was a need to manage her calorie intake.

"The defendant took umbrage and said she wasn't a kid," said Mr Bardsley. "She threw the contents of the cup if the other woman's face, punched her in the stomach and called her a bitch."

Mr Bardsley said the victim was treated at hospital with a burns dressing ad pain relief but, fortunately, there was no permanent damage.

In a statement Aldcroft said she immediately regretted her actions. She said she was sorry for what she had done and hoped Miss Burrows would forgive her.

Roger Taylor, defending, said his client had been subject to a hospital order since 2014 but was due to be moved into the community after Christmas.

"She says the process of discharge is very stressful," said Mr Taylor. "She is waiting for it to happen but at the same time is anxious about what it is going to be like."

He said on the day of the incident Aldcroft was unsettled.

"After a trivial row she threw the drink and immediately regretted what she had done," said Mr Taylor. "Hopefully the future is looking brighter for her."