A FEMALE detention officer is scarred for life after being bitten by a prisoner at a Hampshire police station.

Abbie Louise Ronald sank her teeth into the officer’s arm, leaving a large, raised scar just above her wrist, Southampton Crown Court was told.

The injury was inflicted at Southampton Central Police Station in March but is still visible, the court heard.

Edward Elton, prosecuting, said the detention officer was taken to hospital following the assault and had to face the possibility she was infected.

Ronald, 21, of Foresters Road, Fawley, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm.

She wept throughout the hearing and at one point told the court: “It was such an accident. I’m so sorry.”

Ronald was taken to the police station after officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance.

David Reid, in mitigation, said: “The psychological impact (on the officer) must have been severe at the time. There is still some scarring, although no infection has resulted.”

Mr Reid said the defendant had endured a troubled childhood.

He added: “Her intimate relationships have been marked by abuse and at the moment she chooses to remain single.

“She struggles to cope emotionally when aspects of her life become challenging.

“She is clearly able to accept she needs to address her alcohol abuse. Her drinking was clearly a major factor in this offence.”

Urging the court not to jail his client, Mr Reid added: “Prison might have a more detrimental effect on someone of her background and needs than on someone more robust.”

Ronald, who had previous convictions for battery, was taken into custody after police responded to reports of a domestic disturbance.

Recorder Jonathan Swift told her: “You have to understand that what you did was completely unacceptable, and in drink was even more unacceptable.”

Ronald was handed a one-year prison term, suspended for two years.

She will have to undertake rehabilitation activities as well as receiving treatment for her alcohol problem.

She told the judge: “Thank you sir – I will stay out of trouble.”