A MODEL who was flipped into the air and smashed against the windscreen of a car being driven by her ex-partner's jealous girlfriend can "finally get on with her life".

Chantelle Anne Matthews, of Scallows Lane, West Wellow, Romsey, walked free from Southampton Crown Court yesterday after being sentenced following a hit-and-run which left Faye Townsend fighting for her life, in a coma for two weeks.

Matthews, 19, who has a five-month-old daughter, was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and told to abide a six-month curfew from 7pm until 7am after admitting causing grievous bodily harm (GBH).

The court heard Miss Townsend was hit by a car on December 1, 2015 and left in the road with severe head injuries and brain damage.

Speaking after the sentence, Miss Townsend said she was pleased with the verdict, which also included a three-year restraining order and a two-year driving ban, as it meant Matthews would finally leave her in peace.

"She is finally out of my life. It is going to be a lifetime of getting better... I am going to try and piece my life back together - it is never going to be the same," she added.

"She sent me an apology letter that said 'I am sorry you got badly hurt in the accident and I hope we can have no contact' - not that she was sorry she ran me over - it was not an accident, she pleaded guilty.

"I will never be the same after what she did.

"Justice has been done but that does not repair my brain or make my limp better or any of the other effects it had on me."

Faye said she would love to get back into modelling but she has a "long way to go" in her recovery and wants to settle down and have a family.

Miss Townsend said she wanted to thank the lorry driver who found her in the road for all his help.

The court heard Miss Townsend was walking down Tutts Lane, West Willow, when she was hit by a white Nissan Micra that then sped away and was later found abandoned in Calmore.

Andrew Houston, prosecuting, said the victim had been in a relationship with Matthews’ current partner for two years and after it finished in January 2015 he almost immediately began a relationship with the defendant.

Matthews then began to send texts saying “look who I am with” to Miss Townsend trying to 'rub it in'.

Mr Houston said days before the incident Matthews confronted Miss Townsend in a garage, shouting: "He's my f****** husband now, stay away from him."

She then took off her belt and wrapped it round her hand as she left.

Witnesses said Miss Townsend, who was 23 at the time, remained calm and told Matthews she was embarrassing herself and she had moved on with her life.

Defending, Richard Onslow said it was believed Matthews, who had significant learning problems and left school aged 12, would commit suicide if she went to prison.

Mr Onslow added: "It is very unlikely we will ever see her again or that there will be any repetition of what happened on that awful day."

Judge Gary Burrell said: "You are very fortunate you were not charged with attempted murder. Your actions on that day have left Miss Townsend with significant neurological problems. She was perfectly healthy before, she has now been left with all sorts of difficulties requiring rehabilitation and ongoing medical care."

He added Matthews had significant brain injuries herself and relied on others for everyday tasks although, after reading statements from family and friends, said this did not stop her being a good mother.