A WOMAN admitted making hoax 999 calls to the police when she appeared before magistrates yesterday.

Anne Marriner, 38, called police to her house on two nights, falsely claiming she needed assistance.

On one occasion she reported an assault and claimed a brick had been thrown through her window.

Police officers responding to the calls visited Marriner's home in Barden Moor Road, in Darlington, and found she did not need help.

At Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday, she pleaded guilty to five charges of sending false messages to cause needless anxiety.

She also admitted assaulting a police officer by recklessly kicking out when she was being arrested on April 29.

The court heard that Marriner made the calls while under the influence of drink weeks after her father died.

The case was adjourned until June 14 for pre sentence reports to be prepared. She was granted conditional bail.