BAY CITY, MI — A Davison woman who beat her niece over the head with banana-cake filled glassware has pleaded no contest to a felony assault charge.

Stacey J. Plunkett, 35, on Thursday, May 9, appeared before Bay County Circuit Judge Joseph K. Sheeran and pleaded no contest to assault with a dangerous weapon, which is punishable by up to four years in prison and a $2,000 fine. In exchange for her plea, Bay County Assistant Prosecutor Jordan E. Case agreed to recommend she receive a one-year delayed sentence, during which she is to pay her full restitution amount and stay out of further legal trouble.

If Plunkett complies with the terms of a delayed sentence, the prosecution will dismiss her charge. The amount of restitution she must pay is yet to be determined.

In pleading no contest, Plunkett did not state her guilt, but she will be treated as guilty for purposes of sentencing. Her attorney, Stevens J. Jacobs, said Plunkett pleaded no contest for reasons of civil liability. In other words, by not stating her guilt on the record, her own words can’t be used against her should a civil lawsuit be brought.

Plunkett’s charge stems from an incident that occurred at a family gathering in Kawkawlin Township on April 15, 2012. Plunkett and her 24-year-old niece, Lacie J. Cramer, attended a relative’s baby shower, then went with other family members to Cramer’s home.

A dispute arose between Plunkett and Cramer, with the two arguing over a fish tank and a light-up table they had swapped amongst themselves. Plunkett eventually grabbed a Pyrex casserole dish and smashed it over her niece's head three times, Cramer told police.

A Pyrex baking dish, similar to the one used in the assault.

The dish shattered on the third blow, scattering the banana cake across the floor, Cramer said.

Relatives separated the two as they wrestled on the floor. Cramer told police she was suffering hearing loss in one ear and had been receiving threatening phone calls since the scuffle.

Troopers spoke with a witness who was also at Cramer’s house. She told much the same story as Cramer, court records show.

When contacted by investigators, Plunkett declined to answer any questions and hired an attorney, court records show.

Bay County authorities issued a warrant for Plunkett’s arrest on Jan. 17.

Plunkett is free on bond. Sheeran is to sentence her at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24.