A London Zoo meerkat expert who glassed her Crouch End colleague after a fight over the llama keeper has been spared jail.

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

District Judge Jeremy Coleman told Ms Westlake: ‘I take into account your 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 and 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.

“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.”

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