A woman assaulted two security officers at a hospital's accident and emergency department, a court heard.

Sarah Higgins scratched one of the men in the face and attempted to headbutt him. She spat at the other officer.

When the police arrived at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton she was shouting abuse.

Higgins, 23, of Southall Avenue, Brighton, admitted two charges of common assault when she appeared before city magistrates.

Bridget Norfolk, prosecuting, said trouble started one night in May after Higgins and her partner went to the hospital because she wanted treatment for an injury.

Her partner was asked to leave by security staff because the couple were being abusive to each other.

When officers tried to stop her partner returning to A&E, Higgins assaulted them.

James Hunter, defending, said Higgins had been a heroin addict since she was 15 and was now trying to change her life.

Magistrates deferred sentence until December 3.