A dispute over feeding the ducks at the Dunedin Botanic Garden ended with one woman biting another, a court has heard.
In the Dunedin District Court last week, Sheree Mumford, 57, pleaded guilty to assault.
The court heard that on October 10, the victim was at the garden, feeding the ducks.
Mumford took issue with this and told her she was "feeding the ducks too closely", a police summary said.
The victim replied: "No, I’m not. The ducks are quite happy and have approached me."
Mumford aggressively pestered the victim, before telling her to "f... off".
The woman stood up and told the defendant not to speak to her that way.
She started filming the altercation before Mumford lunged toward her and snatched her phone.
As the victim took the phone back, Mumford grabbed her hand and bit her forearm.
The victim left and reported the incident to police. Mumford was arrested the following month.
She told police she was at the botanic garden and did grab the victim’s arm, but did not admit biting her.
The victim’s arm was bruised and had teeth marks indented on her skin.
The court heard it was Mumford’s first conviction.
She was referred to restorative justice and will be sentenced next month.
— Felicity Dear, Court reporter
