Home   Malling   News   Article

Woman guilty of glassing Miss England finalist Olivia Cooke at Farmhouse pub, West Malling

A businesswoman has been convicted of wounding a Miss England finalist after a bust up over comments made in a West Malling pub.

China Gold, 27, is now facing a jail sentence after a jury took less than an hour to convict her of unlawful wounding.

Professional golfer and Miss England finalist Olivia Cooke was wounded in a West Malling pub
Professional golfer and Miss England finalist Olivia Cooke was wounded in a West Malling pub

Gold, of London Road in Aylesford, had pleaded not guilty after the altercation in the Farmhouse Pub in West Malling in October 2018.

Now Judge Philip Statman has told the boss of a recovery and car repair firm to expect a prison sentence.

The court was told how professional golfer and beauty queen Olivia Cooke is still awaiting plastic surgery for the scars on her face.

Miss Cooke, from Barming, was in court throughout the trial and began to cry when the verdict was returned. She is suffering from anxiety as a result of the incident.

China Gold has been convicted of unlawful wounding
China Gold has been convicted of unlawful wounding

The judge adjourned sentence for the preparation of a probation report, but he said the offence crossed the custody threshhold by a mile.

He added Gold was facing the possibility of a jail term starting at three years before any aggravating or mitigating factors had been considered.

Adjourning until April 27 and granting Gold bail, the judge said immediate custody was uppermost in his mind.

"This is a very serious matter and clearly crosses the custody threshhold by a mile," added Judge Statman.

"I need to know, bearing in mind she was of previous and positive character, working and up until this point a decent member of the community, what is to be done.

Mother and daughter Julie and Olivia Cooke Picture: Chris Davey
Mother and daughter Julie and Olivia Cooke Picture: Chris Davey

"Uppermost in my mind must be an immediate custodial sentence. The defendant must understand that."

After the incident Olivia's mum Julie hit Gold, knocking her head against a wall and has admitted a charge of assault. Olivia was also charged with assault.

But after the verdict the judge urged the CPS to review its decision to prosecute Olivia.

The jury heard how the women - who were known to each other - fell out after jibes from Gold about two boyfriends.

Ms Cooke told how Gold smashed a wine glass over her head and then pushed it into her face.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

For information on how we can report on court proceedings, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More