An Armagh woman who assaulted two police officers and struck a kneed a custody officer in the testicles has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Court heard the 50-year-old, when cautioned for the initial offences, stated: “F*** you, you English c****”.
Florence Margaret Agnew, of Drumarg Park, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour, two counts of assaulting police, resisting police and assault on a police designated person at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Court heard that on February 4, at around midnight, police were contacted by staff at Callan Cabs on Thomas Street regarding a female who was aggressive to staff and refused to leave the depot.
Officers attended and observed the defendant sitting on a chair inside the establishment.
They noted that Agnew appeared intoxicated as her speech was slurred.
Police witnessed the defendant swearing at staff due to them contacting the police and this did not cease despite her being warned.
Agnew continued to shout and swear, whilst refusing to leave the depot.
She then stood up on her feet but began swaying.
One officer who was close to the defendant held out his hand to prevent Agnew from falling on him.
She reacted to this by slapping this officer on the left side of his face.
Agnew was subsequently restrained to the floor but continued to shout and swear.
As the defendant was cuffed to the rear, she then began kicking out at the police and attempted to bite one of the officers.
Agnew was arrested and cautioned, to this she replied saying: “F*** you, you English c****”.
She was then taken to Dungannon Custody Suite where she continued to be abusive towards police.
The defendant kicked the face of one officer as she was carried into her cell.
At 2.35am, as she was led back to her cell after a medical examination, Agnew struck the testicles of a civilian custody officer with her knee.
Defence barrister Conor Coulter stated: “This was a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity, Ms Agnew gave a very honest and candid review of the offences with probation.
“She accepts that her behaviour was abhorrent.”
He said: “This is a lady who has difficulty and fear of police involvement which goes back a lot of years.
“This is not to be used as an excuse but does provide some context.”
Mr Coulter stated: “She wishes to apologise to the police and the staff that were affected by her behaviour.
“Ms Agnew suffers from mental health problems but has made attempts to address this and in recent times has enjoyed periods of sobriety.”
He added: “She is not coming before the court ignorant of the fact she has an alcohol problem, but this is a woman who has stayed out of trouble for long periods and is engaging with alcohol support services.”
District Judge Peter Magill stated: “You were initially looking at going straight to prison today. You have 14 prior convictions and have been dealt with in a number of ways.
“That includes probation, which has not made any difference at all.”
He added: “You have had problems in the past but you simply cannot do this.
“The only thing saving you is your plea of guilty.”
Agnew was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for three years.
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