A YOUNG woman kicked and bit two policemen who had tried to quiz her about shoplifting in Paignton, a court has been told.

Anouska Sites, 21, of Killerton Close, Paignton, pleaded guilty to the attacks and the theft when she appeared before Torbay magistrates.

She was remanded in custody for the preparation of a pre-sentence report and is next due to appear in court in Torquay on October 13.

She was accused of assaulting PCs Daniel Jones and James Bower in Paignton on September 26, and the theft of £15 worth of goods from the Original Factory Shop in Palace Avenue on the same date.

Prosecutor Philip Sewell said Sites had been seen acting suspiciously in the shop and she was followed outside by staff who detained her.

At that point items fell from her trousers.

He said Sites became violent, and when police were called she was found in the churchyard in nearby Church Street.

When questioned by PC Jones she refused to answer his questions and kicked him in the groin.

Mr Sewell said as PC Bower assisted his colleague and tried to handcuff Sites, he was bitten on the hand but it did not break the skin.

Solicitor Alisdair James, representing Sites said: "She reacted when she was restrained by the police officers but this goes beyond resisting."