A WOMAN who caused a hospital worker to bleed by biting her has been handed a community order.

Claire Edwards, of Stockwell Grove in Wrexham, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court for sentence on Wednesday morning.

The 47-year-old had admitted at a previous hearing that she assaulted Stephanie Foster, occasioning her actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that on February 2 last year, Edwards entered Ty Derbyn at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, where she is treated for mental health issues.

She could not be seen that day and was given an appointment card for a later date - but she became irritated and made a racial remark to a member of staff.

Having breached the hospital's zero-tolerance police on abuse, she was told to leave.

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But she refused, and staff had to resort to physically removing her from the building.

One of the staff members who came to help was Ms Foster.

Edwards kicked her in the stomach and when the victim bent over in pain, the defendant bit her finger so hard she pierced the skin and caused bleeding.

In a basis of plea, which was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service, the defendant said she'd been in "crisis" and lost control of some of her actions due to her mental health.

She claimed the NHS staff had used "excessive" force to remove her and this "distressed" her.

Mr Espie told the court whatever the defendant's perceptions, the NHS staff were "entitled to use reasonable force" given Edwards' refusal to leave.

Quentin Neil, defending, told the court his client was "someone of low maturity," adding: "When you speak to her it is like talking to a 12 or 13-year-old at times.

"She was seeking support but wasn't able to access it that day.

"She lost self control and reacted in a way she regrets with hindsight."

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Mr Neil said his client has documented problems with her mental health, including borderline personality disorder.

He said such problems can result in intense emotional changes and impulsive actions.

Edwards had not been banned from the unit  and has been back since, he added - and had "kept her cool."

The court handed down a 24 month community order with 25 rehabilitation activity sessions.

Edwards must pay a £162 fine, £114 victim surcharge, £250 towards prosecution costs and £250 in compensation to her victim.