A RENFREWSHIRE cancer sufferer has been warned she could be jailed for attacking a woman who was holding a five-year-old boy.

Lynn Middleton, who has bowel cancer, assaulted Jennifer Macphail while she was holding the youngster in Erskine.

Middleton approached her victim and rained blows on her face and head, leaving her injured, while Miss Macphail was holding the boy, who can’t be identified for legal reasons.

Middleton admitted her guilt over the attack, which took place on December 14 last year, at a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Procurator Fiscal Depute John Penman told the court the assault took place in a built-up area that was busy with traffic and Miss Macphail was left with injuries to her head and the left side of her face, but that she did not require any medical treatment.

Police investigating the attack detained Middleton and took her to Greenock police station, before releasing her to appear on an undertaking at Paisley Sheriff Court.

And she admitted her guilt on Friday when she was due to go on trial.

Defence solicitor Stephen Fox said he would reserve any comments about the case until the day Middleton, of Parksail, Erskine, is sentenced.

As he called for background reports to be prepared ahead of sentencing, Sheriff Colin Pettigrew warned Middleton she could be caged.

He said: “I have to be seriously concerned about any assault to the face and head.

“But this assault took place whilst she was holding a child - quite frankly anything could’ve happened.

“This is a matter where the court must have all appropriate disposals open to it.”

He told Middleton, 47, to return to the dock next month to learn her fate.

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