A Whitehaven woman who told police officers she would kill her partner has admitted stabbing him.

Iris Murray, 52, of Catherine Street, admitted assaulting John Taylor and causing him actual bodily harm when she appeared at magistrates court in Workington on Friday.

It follows an incident on Christmas day when Miss Murray, who has three daughters, called police telling them she had stabbed her partner.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, said: "She told officers if he wasn't removed from the property she would kill him."

Mr Taylor was found with a two to three inch wound to his knuckles and he initially told officers he had been stabbed and punched on the chin by Miss Murray.

However he later said it was an accident and Mr Taylor was not supporting the prosecution of the case.

Ryan Foley, defending, said the couple had been in a relationship for 10 years and there had been issues between them.

He told district judge Gerald Chalk the argument started after Mr Taylor had made comments about Murray.

He added: "She called police and incriminated herself and she is concerned about the prospect of this matter.

"This has come as a shock to her and she is extremely upset, she hasn't been able to return to her home address and she would like the opportunity to speak to her partner."

Judge Chalk told Murray: "You will get credit for pleading guilty at the first opportunity, but I have to consider all options, including sending you to prison."

Murray was handed a sentence of 100 days in prison suspended for 12 months and a 25-day rehabilitation requirement.

She was also ordered to pay £200 cost.