Woman who bit her mother's ear off spared jail

A woman who bit her mother's ear off has been spared an immediate jail sentence after the victim spoke up for her.

Rebecca Oldham, 43, of Countess Avenue in Market Deeping, Lincolnshire, admitted a charge of unlawful wounding following the incident in August 2023.

However, Lincoln Crown Court heard she was unable to remember the attack after drinking heavily.

Passing sentence, Recorder John Hardy KC said it would not be in the public interest to jail Oldham as it was clear her mother did not want this.

Oldham was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

She must also complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and a mental health treatment order, the judge said.

The court heard emergency services were called to the victim's home in the early hours after a neighbour heard screaming.

David Eager, prosecuting, said: "The complainant was on the floor covered in blood [and] it became rapidly apparent she had a serious injury.

"It was clear the defendant was very drunk."

The court was told that a right ear belonging to Oldham's mother was placed in tissue paper, and she was taken to hospital, but her ear could not be reattached.

Oldham admitted the attack during a police interview, but told officers: "I can't believe I bit her."

The court heard Oldham lived close to her mother and was a regular visitor, and on the night of the incident the pair had been enjoying a celebration and drinking.

In a victim impact statement, Oldham's mother said she did not want to see her daughter jailed.

"This was completely out of character for my daughter and I can't believe it happened," she said.

"I just want my family back, I don't believe Rebecca meant it."

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