A WOMAN has admitted making up claims that she was assaulted by a neighbour.

Durham Crown Court was told Sharon Elizabeth Tough invented the attack story, in which she claimed to have suffered facial injuries, during a dispute with a neighbouring family.

But when the case was due before court she got cold feet and used forged medical certificates claiming she was too ill to go before magistrates to give evidence.

Tough, 30, yesterday admitted two charges of committing an act intending to pervert the course of justice.

The case was adjourned for pre-sentence reports by the probation service, but Tough was warned she could face prison.

Christopher Knox, prosecuting, said it was probably a good thing she had now pleaded guilty, preventing the need for a trial. It did appear to indicate a respite in the hostilities that were present in this case.

"One hopes it's a sign that the feuding between the families, which has been at a high level for some time, is to die a death."

Mr Knox said Tough had confessed to putting forward false medical certificates to prevent her appearing at Sunderland Magistrates' Court, although it was accepted she was seriously ill for some time.

Tim Parkin, mitigating, said given that she was ill, her actions in presenting false medical certificates, was, "something of an over-egging of the pudding".

Tough, of Eglinton Street, Southwick, Sunderland, was bailed until July 20.

Adjourning the case, Judge Michael Cartlidge told her: "I can't tell you what will happen on the 20th, but custody is a real possibility."