The former nanny of sex shop boss Jacqueline Gold has pleaded guilty to trying to poison the Ann Summer's owner.

Allison Cox, 33, of Badgers Way, East Grinstead, pleaded guilty to one count of administering a poison or other noxious substance with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy at Guildford Crown Court.

The court heard that Miss poured car windscreen washer fluid into a lunch made for the millionaire on October 5 last year.

However, the poisoning was not because of a conflict between the Nanny and Mrs Cunningham, as Mrs Gold was referred to, but between her cook.

Rachael Davies, prosecuting said: "The defendant was being employed as a nanny to look after Mrs Cunningham’s daughter.

"There was, it appears, some animosity towards the cook that caused the defendant to put certain things into food which was then consumed by Miss Cunningham."

The court heard that Miss Cox, who is of previous good character, did not physical harm to Miss Gold, but caused her anxiety after the poisoning had been discovered.

Mrs Davies added: "It wasn’t physical harm as she only consumed a very small amount, it was anxiety.

Judge Christopher Critchlow told the defendant, despite her release on unconditional bail, it was no indication of “what the sentence will be.”

Two previous allegations of poisoning regarding sugar and salt were dropped by the prosecution.

Miss Cox will appear at Guildford Crown Court again on March 4 after a pre-sentence report has been prepared.

Judge Critchlow also instructed the probation service to consider all options when it comes to sentencing.