Bargoed, Wales — A devastating altercation at a local snooker club has left 27-year-old Megan Smith with severe facial scars following a violent attack by Ebony Jones, 26, her former best friend. The incident, which erupted over a dispute concerning the sale of a dog, unfolded in February 2023 and culminated with Jones attacking Smith with a glass.
The attack occurred inside the bustling Emporium Snooker Club in Caerphilly, where Jones, fueled by alcohol, confronted Smith at the bar. An argument escalated quickly, and Jones used a half-pint glass as a weapon, repeatedly striking Smith in the face. The assault resulted in Smith sustaining significant injuries, requiring 36 stitches across her face and additional surgical attention for her nose.
The aftermath of the assault has drastically altered Smith’s life, not only physically but also emotionally and socially. Known affectionately among her community prior to the incident, Smith now contends with the nickname “Megan Scar,” a constant reminder of the traumatic event. The severe scarring and the emotional toll have also contributed to the dissolution of Smith’s relationship with her partner.
In court, prosecutor Byron Broadstock detailed the gravity of the assault, highlighting the danger and the intent behind Jones’s actions. The court heard how the dispute stemmed from a prior falling out over a transaction involving a dog, directly linked to Smith’s ex-husband, further complicating the women’s relationship.
Following the incident, Jones, an aspiring nursery worker who also cares for two young children, faced legal consequences for her actions. She pled guilty to wounding with intent on the day her trial was set to commence. Newport Crown Court sentenced Jones to 30 months in prison. Additionally, a restraining order was issued, prohibiting any contact with Smith for a decade.
The sentencing by Judge Hywel James underscored the severity of the crime and the court’s stance on violence, especially involving weapons like glass in social settings. The judge emphasized that imprisonment was necessary to serve as a deterrent against similar acts of violence.
Smith’s recovery has been arduous. She described excruciating pain in the days following the attack and needing extensive help from her family for basic needs. The psychological impact has been profound, with Smith suffering from panic attacks and flashbacks, a clear indication of the lasting impact of such violent encounters.
This incident has sparked discussions within the community and beyond about the safety in public establishments and the unforeseen dangers of altercations escalating into severe violence. The case also highlights the broader implications of personal disputes permeating public spaces, prompting a review of security measures in local bars and clubs.
As Smith continues to cope with the ramifications of that fateful night, she faces a long road to emotional and physical recovery, forever marked by an encounter that transformed her life in the most painful ways imaginable.