A business development manager from Margate has admitted wounding her boyfriend in a knife attack last year.

But Marcia Francis, 42, of Ethelbert Terrace, will still face trial at Canterbury Crown Court accused of attempting to murder 32-year-old chef Pasquale Mustoe in September.

After the incident, Mr Mustoe was taken to the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate with life-threatening injuries.

Mother-of-four Francis, who works for a fencing company, pleaded not guilty to the charge when she appeared in the dock dressed in a smart black outfit.

She was then asked to enter a plea on a second charge of wounding Mr Mustoe intending to do him serious bodily harm.

Francis, who had her long hair tied in a ponytail – replied: “Not guilty... but I am guilty to wounding though.”

Prosecution barrister Simon Taylor said the Crown Prosecution Service intended to press ahead with the more serious charges despite the guilty plea to unlawful wounding.

The trial – which is expected to last three weeks – is due to begin on March 31 and Francis was remanded in custody.