A woman who bit another woman’s finger is awaiting sentence after admitting the serious assault.

Donna Fairburn, 42, pleaded guilty at Teesside Crown Court to unlawful wounding.

However, the facts of the violence, which goes back to October 29 last year, are still disputed.

Prosecutor David Crook said the bite to the victim’s finger was unprovoked and was part of a “meltdown” by Fairburn.

He said: “It’s happened in a close confrontation.

“She created the scuffle. The victim tried to keep her away.

“The defendant then bites her finger. The victim accepts she punched the defendant as a result of that.”

Fairburn, on the other hand, maintained she “over-reacted in self defence”.

She claims she was provoked and reacted to violence against her in excessive self defence.

“That’s not how the complainant sees it at all,” added Mr Crook.

He said the Crown did not accept claims that the victim was being restrained and having her arms held behind her back.

The prosecution also did not accept that only the extent of the bite was unreasonable.

Fairburn’s account of events in her “basis of plea” was not accepted.

So there was discussion of holding a hearing and hearing evidence in front of a judge to decide the facts.

Fairburn had mental health issues and had spoken of suffering from depression, the court heard.

Mr Crook said: “From the complainant’s perspective, she says this is a lady who needs help.”

Having heard this, the judge did not call for a further hearing to decide the factual issues.

Fairburn, of Birkdale Road, New Marske, was bailed until sentencing on June 1.

Mr Justice James Goss QC said the case fell into the category of sentences ranging from one to three years, with the possibility of a suspended sentence.

He told the defendant: “You having entered a plea of guilty to this offence, there will be no trial.

“I’m adjourning sentence until June 1 to enable a pre-sentence report to be prepared on you.

“You’ve given authority for releasing your medical notes to your legal representatives. You’ll have bail.

“You should understand this - the fact that I’m adjourning sentence for the preparation of a report and grant of your bail does not give you any indication as to what the sentence is going to be.

“I’m not the sentencing judge. The custody threshold is crossed in relation to this offence.

“It’s just a question of what is the appropriate overall sentence in respect of this case.

“You will be given credit for your guilty plea.”