A mum-of-two who repeatedly smashed her partner’s head against a wall blamed acne medication for the violent assault.
Susan Miller said the side-effects had led to heightened aggression at a time when she was struggling with pressures at work and in the home.
The 34-year-old, of Longforgan, also claimed that an extended visit from boyfriend of four years Robin Dickinson’s mother had only served to increase tensions.
That led to arguments between the pair, which boiled over into violence on December 5 last year as they shared a bottle of wine.
Perth Sheriff Court was told that Mr Dickinson had gone to pour away her drink, at which point she snapped and leaped at him, scratching him on the face.
A struggle ensued, depute fiscal Robbie Brown said, during which the pair struggled on the ground and they continued their running battle throughout their home.
The complainer was then punched “three or four times on the head”, before the assault culminated with Miller repeatedly banging his head against a wall.
She only stopped when the plasterboard began to give way, though Mr Brown said no injury had been recorded.
Solicitor Mark Alder told the court: “At the time she was under considerable stress with regards work and her home circumstances. Her partner’s mother had been staying with them and this had caused some conflict.”
Having read from a report compiled by social workers, Sheriff Robert McCreadie challenged the accused, telling her that it was clear that she was minimising the seriousness of her actions.
“You claim not to recollect events, but social workers believe that is because you do not want to confront your behaviour,” he said.
“Drink is also highlighted by the social workers as a contributing factor, but you say that you do not consider this to be the case.”
The sheriff rejected the accused’s claim that the side effects of acne medication could have made her more aggressive.
Miller, of Rawes Farm Steading, admitted the assault on her partner.
Sentence on the charge was deferred until June 4 for the preparation of a background report and for Miller to be of good behaviour.