A WOMAN who went on the run after a Darlington stabbing is facing a prison sentence after she admitting unlawful wounding.

Romana Sowerby-Blain appeared at Teesside Crown Court via a live video-link from HMP Low Newton in Durham.

The 35-year-old, of Hurworth Place, near Darlington, had originally faced a more serious charge of wounding with intent.

But prosecutors accepted her guilty plea to the lesser offence during the brief ten-minute hearing today.

Sowerby-Blain was remanded further into custody until she is sentenced after background reports have been prepared.

Judge Deborah Sherwin told her: "I'm ordering a pre-sentence report so the court will have all options available.

"But, you must understand that it is a serious allegation, and you are very much at risk of a custodial sentence."

The police hunt was sparked after a man was stabbed at a house in Salisbury Terrace, Darlington, on January 10.

The 46-year-old was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Emergency services found the victim in a serious condition at 11pm, and an overnight police raid was mounted.

At around 12.15am, four armed officers with heavy weapons and bullet-proof shields, along with a dog unit, went in.

Police vehicles lined the narrow street in the Denes area for hours, with witnesses reporting a force helicopter overhead.

A spokesman said at the time: "It's understood both parties involved in the incident were known to each other."

Defence barrister John Turner told the court that he was hoping to secure a suspended sentence for Sowerby-Blain.

Prosecutor Emma Atkinson told Judge Sherwin: "There have been ongoing discussions between the defence and the Crown, and a plea to count two (unlawful wounding) is deemed to be acceptable.

"Given the history and the background, I understand my learned friend will seek a pre-sentence report."

Mr Turner said: "It is a serious matter and in due course I do seek to persuade the court about length of sentence and seek to persuade the court to suspend that sentence."

Judge Sherwin said: "It seems to me this is a case which will require a pre-sentence report."

Sowerby-Blain, who appeared on the link wearing a smart grey suit jacket over a white top, was arrested three days after the stabbing.

She will be sentenced on May 18.