A MOTHER-OF-THREE may have been suffering from post-natal depression when she stabbed a teenager, a court heard yesterday.

Michael Parkin, 19, was stabbed in the abdomen with a kitchen knife, in Crook, in November last year.

Jolene Cheesey, 23, appeared at Teesside Crown Court charged with causing Mr Parking grievous bodily harm with intent.

She pleaded not guilty, but admitted causing grievous bodily harm, which was accepted by the prosecution.

Mr Parkin was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, where he underwent surgery. His bowel was punctured and the knife just missed an artery.

Judge Peter Fox QC adjourned sentence on Cheesey, of Honister Square, Crook, after submissions by defence barrister Jamie Hill.

Mr Hill said his client had been diagnosed as suffering from post-natal depression and it was possible she may have been suffering from it when she injured Mr Parkin.

He said she was receiving treatment and asked for a four-week adjournment so reports could be prepared.

Judge Fox released Cheesey on bail until February 25. He warned her that all sentencing options were open.