A WOMAN was bitten on the face during a Christmas Day family row, Ely magistrates have heard. Clayton Allison got into an argument with his former partner Carrie Ann Gilbey, and during a tussle he pushed her against a wall, grabbed her round the neck and

A WOMAN was bitten on the face during a Christmas Day family row, Ely magistrates have heard.

Clayton Allison got into an argument with his former partner Carrie Ann Gilbey, and during a tussle he pushed her against a wall, grabbed her round the neck and bit her cheek.

"She thought he was trying to strangle her, because of the pressure he used," prosecutor Laura Mardell told Ely magistrates.

Allison, 32, of The Causeway, Soham, admitted assaulting Ms Gilbey, and sentencing was adjourned until February 26.

The court heard how Allison went to Ms Gilbey's home earlier than expected on Christmas Day, and the couple argued about their daughter.

Allison's sister got involved, and Gilbey felt her personal space had been invaded, said Miss Mardell.

"She felt threatened and thought she was going to be assaulted," added Miss Mardell.

Allison got between the two women; he raised his arm with a clenched fist and Ms Gilbey blocked him.

"She ended up against a wall, the defendant had his hands around her throat," claimed Miss Mardell. "She pulled him off by holding his wrists, he tried to hit her, and he bit her on the left cheek."

Allison, who represented himself in court, said he had been concerned that a heroin addict was in the property.

He admitted biting Ms Gilbey and pushing her against a wall, but denied putting his hands around her throat.

"It all happened very quickly," he added.