A WOMAN who left a pensioner in need of a skin graft after a row at an Abba tribute night has been convicted of causing grievous bodily harm.

Alexandra Farenden, 34, of Tytherley Green in Bournemouth, was found guilty following a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court this week.

Jurors heard that Farenden "lost her temper in drink" and grappled with 70-year-old Winifred Mary Oldham at Avon Social Club in April 2015.

Prosecutor Sarah Jones said the defendant approached Mrs Oldham's table at the end of the night and verbally abused her before grabbing the victim's left arm near the wrist.

In a statement taken by police following the incident, Mrs Oldham said Farenden also scratched her face.

"I put my arms up to cover my face, which is when she took hold of my right arm," Mrs Oldham said.

The court heard that as Farenden's partner lifted her to pull her away, the defendant tore the skin on the victim's arm.

Doctors were forced to carry out a skin graft.

Mrs Oldham died following a stroke last year.

Her death is not connected to the incident.

Farenden claimed she was acting in self-defence after the victim grabbed her first.

She will return to the court in February to be sentenced.