Cop biter on 'three strikes' notice

File photo / NZ Herald

A woman who bit a policeman's finger to the bone has been handed her first warning under the "three strikes" system when she appeared in Westport District Court.

Halie Long, 33, yesterday pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour, assaulting police and wounding with intent to injure.

Police Sergeant Mark Harris told the court Long had got into an altercation with another member of the public inside Westport police station on January 5.

Police had ushered her outside but she continued to yell and swear.

When Constable Don Abbey went to arrest her she lashed out and struggled.

She bit Constable Paul Sampson's little finger through to the bone and continued to bite and kick officers once she was on the ground.

As they took her into the cells she kicked Mr Abbey about four times.

Mr Sampson needed to go to hospital for treatment for his finger.

Judge Emma Smith remanded Long on bail to June 6 for sentencing.