A raging Dundee woman battered her victim unconscious and ripped out a clump of her hair in a dispute over £1.
Maxine Munro pled guilty to the frenzied attack during an earlier hearing at Dundee Sheriff Court.
But the 36-year-old was taken into custody when she failed to turn up for sentencing.
She was hauled back to the court this week and admitted she had “put her head in the sand” because she panicked about what could happen to her.
Munro, of Dee Gardens, will be sentenced next month.
Neighbour heard screaming
The court heard victim Mandy Burke had borrowed £60 from Munro’s uncle to buy electricity and food.
Munro went to her Craigowan Road home on October 9 2020 to demand change.
She viciously assaulted Ms Burke, despite her repeatedly pleas that the change only amounted to £1.
Depute fiscal Calum Brown told the court unemployed Munro had three previous convictions for drug offences.
He said: “Ms Burke was at home when she answered a knock on her door.
“The accused was there, she entered the property and attacked Ms Burke, repeatedly punching and kicking her on the body.
“Munro made reference to Ms Burke returning the change to her uncle.
“Ms Burke said there was only £1 left.”
The fiscal depute said: “Ms Burke lost consciousness.
“A neighbour who had heard screams contacted police. She observed the accused.”
Victim left in severe pain
The prosecutor told the court: “Police arrived at the complainer’s address. They found her upset, with swollen, bruised eyes and a chunk of her hair missing.”
Mr Brown added: “The complainer named the accused as the person responsible.
“The accused was arrested at 10.45pm that evening.
“Ms Burke suffered swelling, severe pain in her lower back and was kept in Ninewells overnight for observation.”
Panic attack
Solicitor Ross Donnelly, defending, said: “Ms Munro’s explanation for her failure to appear was her not knowing what faced her.
“She took the decision to bury her head in the sand and had a panic attack.
“I made it clear to her this was the last thing she should be doing.”
Sheriff George Way deferred sentence on Munro for criminal and social justice reports.
She will return for sentencing on September 27 and was granted bail.
