Woman who admits spiking drink with poison could face jail time

Paige Myers put amyl nitrate, widely known as the inhalant drug "poppers", into another woman's beverage in Prudhoe, Northumberland, on April 24 last year.

At Newcastle Crown Court today Myers, 21, admitted a charge of administering poison, contrary to section 24 of the offences against the Person Act 1861.

The particulars of the offence are that she "unlawfully and maliciously" administered poison or other such noxious thing with intent to "injure, aggrieve, or annoy".

Myers entered her plea on the basis the victim did not actually drink the spiked liquid.

Judge Tim Gittins said prosecutors have seven days to decide whether they accept that basis or if evidence will have to be heard.

The judge added: "Drinking something that is poisonous, when it's designed to be inhaled through the nose or mouth, is potentially more serious, more dangerous, than simply someone sniffing amyl nitrate, but that is for the judge to decide on the next occasion."

Myers, of Priestclose Road, Prudhoe, will be sentenced on May 29 and has been granted conditional bail in the meantime.

Judge Gittins told her: "You have had the good sense to plead guilty at an early stage and that will stand you in good stead.

"I can't sentence you today, partly because there needs to be a pre-sentence report, so you must attend the probation service before leaving the building so arrangements can be made.

"It is in your interests to co-operate with the preparation of that report so the court has as much information about you and your circumstances as possible."

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The judge also warned: "You must appreciate, just because I have adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report and granted you bail is it not an indication as to what the sentence will be.

"All options will be open to the judge on that occasion, up to and including custody.

"What I can promise is you will receive credit for the plea you have entered."

The bail conditions imposed by magistrates were that Myers must reside and sleep at her home address and refrain from contacting the alleged victim or any witnesses.