Sentenced: London Zoo meerkat expert who glassed monkey keeper in row over llama keeper love rival

Victim: Kate Sanders (Image: PA/Press Association Images)

Caroline Westlake, 30, was ordered to pay compensation to monkey keeper Kate Sanders and undertake unpaid work at Westminster Magistrates Court.

District Judge Jeremy Coleman told Westlake: “I take into account your previous good character and that you have lost your employment as a result of this incident.

“I have looked at the photos of the injury at it is an unpleasant one, especially as it is on someone’s face and was caused by a glass.

“An object was used and a more serious charge could have been justified rather than common assault.

Both women dated Adam Davies (Image: PA/Press Association Images)

“The justices decided that the offence is not serious enough to justify a custodial sentence and I am bound by that decision

“I noted that you were convicted after trial causing people to come to court and extra stress as well as cost.

“I therefore impose on you a community order for 12 months with 80 hours of unpaid work.”

The court previously heard the clash happened at the zoo’s Christmas Party last year when Westlake, who was at the time dating Adam Davies, attacked Miss Sanders who was his ex.

As they stood outside the cloakroom, Miss Sanders tried to apologise after she insulted Westlake in the bathroom, not realising she was in one of the cubicles.

But the conversation descended into shouting match in front of shocked revellers.

Miss Sanders said: “The next thing I know I was hit in the face with something very hard.

“My mouth had filled up with blood and I said: ‘What have you done?’ and blood just came.”

Westlake was also ordered to pay £800 to the victim, £200 in costs and a £60 victim surcharge.