A woman who stabbed her drinking pal to death after downing vodka told police she was acting in self-defence.

David Greenhill, 64, was found slumped in a chair in his untidy Edinburgh home with a large kitchen knife in his hand. Anne Russell, 55, was accused of murder - and of attempting to cover up the crime by planting the knife in his grasp.

But a doctor found marks on her arm and fingers which might have been defensive injuries, the High Court in Edinburgh heard.

Advocate depute Andrew Stewart QC, prosecuting told the court: "The Crown accepts that the accused acted under provocation."

He told the court that Russell and Mr Greenhill had been "platonic friends" for about ten years, regularly drinking together. She went to his home in Niddrie’s Marischal Drive on May 11 this year after buying vodka.

Just over half an hour later she dialled 999 and when the emergency operator asked how she knew Mr Greenhill had been stabbed, Russell replied: "Cos ah done it."

When police arrived they found the table littered with drink bottles and a smashed vodka bottle on the floor. "He went for me and I defended myself," Russell told them.

The court heard that Mr Greenhill had a blood alcohol level almost three and a half times the legal limit for drivers. Russell's blood alcohol level was almost twice the limit.

Russell, who appeared from custody, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of culpable homicide and a charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice was dropped. She now faces sentence later this month when background reports have been prepared.

She was remanded in custody.