A woman who has admitted carrying out an attack while carrying a ratchet is to face trial over her intent to cause the victim grievous bodily harm.

Appearing at a Durham Crown Court plea hearing, Nicole Bennett admitted unlawfully wounding the other woman, but denied the more serious charge of wounding her with intent.

The mother-of-four also admitted having an offensive weapon, the ratchet, in a public place, in Toft Crescent, Murton, during the incident on February 27, last year.

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Asked by Judge Jo Kidd if the Crown Prosecution Service was aware of that plea being offered, and if it might be accepted, prosecuting counsel Samuel Ponniah, said: “They have considered it and it would not be acceptable to the Crown.”

A trial date suitable to all parties over the issue of the defendant’s “intent” was identified by the court to start on Monday March 13, next year.

The 28-year-old defendant, who is of previous good character, was bailed to an address in Glebe Avenue, Easington Colliery.

A condition of her bail is to avoid trying to contact or approach two civilian witnesses, including the complainant in the case.

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