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Chunk bitten out of victim’s arm in frenzied attack
A ST Helens woman bit a total stranger during an early hours assault at a town centre taxi rank.
Karen Oxley, 48, launched a vicious attack on Hilary McConagh while on her way home from a night out.
St Helens Magistrates’ Court heard how the defendant was walking down the middle of Ormskirk Street at about 3am on May 20 when someone waiting at a taxi rank made a comment about her friend’s clothes.
Oxley, who used a walking stick on her way into court, was furious about the comment and, when Ms McConagh asked if she was okay but, the defendant punched her in the face - smashing her glasses.
Oxley, of Ramford Street, Parr, then went for Ms McConagh again, striking her and grabbing her by the hair before they both fell to the ground.
During the struggle, Oxley bit a chunk out of Ms McConagh’s forearm, which was so wide that it could not be stitched up by doctors.
When the pair were finally separated, Oxley started shouting “don’t call the police” - but officers arrived at the scene moments later.
The defendant was arrested and police told how she was “clearly in drink”.
Once she had sobered up, Oxley admitted that she had become very angry at what had been said about her friend.
She claimed that a combination of booze and medication meant that she couldn’t remember the specifics of the incident but she accepted the complainant’s version of events and pleaded guilty at the first time of asking.
Chris Maloney, defending Oxley, also accepted the crown’s version of events but told how his client suffers from anxiety and depression.
Magistrates asked for the probation service to prepare a pre sentence report and adjourned sentencing until tomorrow afternoon (Thursday, September 27). Oxley’s unconditional bail was extended.
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Weather for St Helens
Thursday 20 June 2013
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 17 C
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