A shoplifter who bit a man as violence flared outside a Carlisle shop was warned by a judge she could be jailed.

Danielle Nicholson, 26, admitted affray and the theft of wine during an appearance at the city’s crown court.

The court heard how trouble broke out at night on May 19 last year at the Spar store in Fusehill Street, Carlisle.

Prosecutor Mark Stephenson said: “There was a bite. My understanding is that the bite is accepted – a bite to the forearm of the complainant.”

Nicholson had previously faced a charge of assaulting the man, who was not identified during the court hearing. She denied that allegation, but had instead agreed to admit the affray.

“The plea to the affray best reflects how it came to happen in any event,” said Mr Stephenson.

“The crown accept that there was some violence proffered by both sides. The complainant pushed the defendant over a wall.

“During the escalation the defendant bit the complainant.”

Nicholson, who was an hour late arriving in court, was represented in court by lawyer Philip Andrews.

He confirmed that her late attendance at court was due to the prospect of an immediate prison sentence being passed by the judge.

“The defendant had gone to an address last night to pick up some clothes to bring to court, possibly fearing the worst,” said Mr Andrews. “She missed an early bus this morning.”

Recorder Kevin Grice adjourned the case until September 16 and asked for background information about her to be prepared by the probation service.

That delay, the judge explained, would also allow Nicholson to be sentenced along with another woman who admitted being involved in the incident.

Tania Liddle, 35, of Heathfield Crescent, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has previously confessed to the affray and theft charges. She is currently in custody.

Nicholson, of Chatsworth Square, Carlisle, was remanded on conditional bail by Recorder Grice.

But the judge told her: “I know you have a long [criminal] record.

“You mustn’t read anything into the fact that I am granting you bail and asking for a pre-sentence report.

“All sentencing options are open.”

Liddle had appeared at the crown court via a video link on Monday during a short hearing before Judge Peter Davies.

The court heard she had 251 convictions on her record.

As the case was adjourned, her lawyer, Andrew Rutter, said during a brief address to Judge Davies: “She is realistic about the only sentence that can be imposed upon her.”