ABERDEEN WOMAN FACE PERMANENT SCARS AFTER VIOLENT DRUG-RELATED ATTACK
An Aberdeen woman who caused permanent facial scarring to another individual will undergo an assessment to see if she qualifies for a drug treatment order.Dionne Laurie, aged 40, appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday to be sentenced for a violent attack she committed in 2023.Rather than face immediate imprisonment or unpaid work, Laurie has been given the opportunity to address the root cause of her behaviour through a drug treatment and testing order assessment.The court will decide if Laurie, who previously assaulted a pensioner in daylight, can cooperate with a program aimed at reducing her offending related to drug addiction.Woman left with permanent disfigurement in altercationThe court was told that Laurie attacked her victim so severely that she sustained two loose teeth and now bears permanent scars to her nose and under her eye.Fiscal depute David Rogers explained that Laurie and her victim knew each other only through Laurie’s then-partner.
The assault happened in a flat in Marischal Court where Laurie took offense at her victim's presence because she believed the woman owed her money for drugs.
Witnesses noted that there was a brief struggle during which Laurie assaulted the victim by punching her repeatedly in the face and body.
The victim lost consciousness, managed to crawl to the bathroom, and later escaped the flat.Defence and Court RemarksLaurie's solicitor, Liam McAllister, said his client had little to no recollection of the incident on February 16, and that Laurie was defending herself after being attacked first, although she accepted she went beyond self-defense.
He also mentioned that Laurie hoped resolving a tenancy issue would improve her life.Sheriff Morag McLaughlin ordered Laurie to cooperate with the upcoming report assessing her suitability for a drug treatment order, emphasizing the importance of honesty.
She noted the high risk of custody, but suggested that addressing her underlying problems might help prevent more serious outcomes.
Laurie will return to court in August for further proceedings.
