Harwich woman attacked and bit her friend after argument about dog

The incident took place between Abigail St George and Zoe Moore in August 2022,

St George appeared before officials at Colchester Magistrates’ Court last week to admit one count of assault and one count of possessing a bladed article.

The court heard that Ms Moore, 29, was passing the accused’s house in Laurel Avenue, Harwich, in August 2022 when she was beckoned to the defendant's address, where the two then had a misunderstanding about the St George's dog.

Miss Debenham, prosecuting, said the defendant thought Moore was suggesting she wanted to take the dog, when in fact she was suggesting she look after the dog.

But the misunderstanding led to the defendant punching Moore in the face, and she then attacked her and pulled her hair.

Moore then fled the address and knocked on a neighbour’s door, asking them to call the police.

Miss Debenham said: “The defendant was then standing in the doorway of her neighbour’s house, holding a kitchen knife.

“She put it behind her back and approached the victim still holding it.

“The victim approached the defendant and tried to get the knife from her, and during this action she cut her hand on the knife. The victim then threw the knife over the fence.”

The court heard how the defendant bit Miss Moore, leaving a bite mark on her upper arm.

Raph Piggott, mitigating, said: “A full pre-sentence report will be prepared and if it should be committed to the crown court, then so be it.”

Lucy Lavender, chairman of the bench, told the defendant the next bench of magistrates may not have the powers to hand her an appropriate sentence.

She said: “What we’ve agreed is to prepare a pre-sentence report, and you are going to be required to come back for sentence on Wednesday, March 6, at 11am.

“The next bench of magistrates can send you to the crown court for sentencing if they feel their powers are not satisfactory for sentencing you.”