A MUM-of-three has avoided jail after biting a fellow reveller's ear during a late-night fight in a city centre.

Natalie Hector was in Switch bar, in Newcastle, when she spilled the victim's drink by accidentally bumping into her.

A court heard that the woman followed Hector outside to ask for an apology and the two got into an altercation.

Hector then slapped the victim before a fight broke out between the pair in the middle of the street.

Prosecutors said that the 25-year-old then sunk her teeth into the woman's ear, causing a "significant cut", which needed stitches.

Hector, of Pennycross Road, in Sunderland, was in the dock at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week to plead guilty to one count of wounding without intent.

She was given a 12-month community order with a 90-day alcohol abstinence requirement, which will be monitored.

Rob Lawson, prosecuting, said both women were in Switch bar on November 8 last year when Hector accidentally bumped into the victim, spilling her drink.

Mr Lawson continued: "The victim followed the defendant outside to ask for an apology.

"The defendant shouted at her "come on then" and, once outside, the defendant slapped the victim to her face and walked off.

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"The victim followed her and they grappled one another.

"Once they were both on the floor, the defendant bit down on the victim's ear, causing a significant cut, which had to be closed with stitches."

The court heard that Hector had no previous convictions as an adult, was remorseful and had panicked in the face of confrontation after being a victim of domestic violence in the past.

Paul McAlindon, defending, added: "Miss Hector had tried to leave the situation but she was followed by the complainant.

"Whether there was a slap, she can't recall, but it's obvious the complainant continued to go after her when she attempted to leave the area."

Hector must also pay the victim £200 compensation, £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.

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