A CARE home worker who attacked a colleague has been told it is unlikely that she will be locked up.

Sharon Blackburn yesterday (Mon, Jan 9) admitted inflicting grievous bodily harm on Susan Todd on August 31 last year.

She had opted for a trial, but changed her plea to guilty after a judge said she probably would not be jailed.

The 47-year-old will be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court next month after a background report has been prepared.

Judge Sean Morris said if the report was positive, Blackburn could expect to get a suspended prison sentence.

It is understood the attack happened after they went for a drink together after finishing their shifts.

The women later returned to Mrs Todd's home in Bishop Auckland, where she was punched and kicked by Blackburn.

Photographs taken by the police show marks to her face, and she also suffered a fractured wrist in the attack.

Blackburn, of Forest View, Brandon, was given bail by Judge Morris until her next appearance on February 2.

The judge told her: "Better late than never. If the report is favourable, I will stick by my earlier indication."