A bench warrant has been issued for woman who bit a police officer after causing £2,760 worth of damage to a room in the Armagh City Hotel.
The 31-year-old failed to appear at court as she was due for sentencing and it was revealed she had also failed to attend with probation.
Natasha Morgan, of Church Avenue in Dundrum, Co Down, was to be sentenced for criminal damage, two counts of assault on police and attempted criminal damage at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
It was previously heard that on September 21, police received a report from staff at the Armagh City Hotel that a bedroom had been damaged by a resident.
Officers spoke to the defendant, who was identified as the culprit, Morgan was verbally abusive towards the police and this continued despite her being warned.
It was noted that the defendant had slurred speech, was unsteady on her feet and appeared intoxicated.
As one constable reviewed CCTV, Morgan attempted to leave and threw a phone at a window.
The defendant had to be restrained and taken to the ground.
Morgan continued to struggle; she kicked on officer to the right side of his face and bit another leaving him with redness and bite marks.
As she was escorted from the hotel and taken to Dungannon Custody Suite the defendant shouted “up the RA”.
During an interview the following day, the defendant said the last thing she could remember was going back to her room.
She also admitted to police that she had been under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Prosecution stated that the total cost of the damage came to £2,760 including items such as the television, carpet, lamps and crockery.
Speaking on Tuesday, defence barrister David McKeown stated: “My instructing solicitor had contacted probation to get an appointment but had forgot to inform his client.
“Thus we have no presentence report, I am unsure as to why the defendant is not here.”
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said: “This is the second time she has not attended with probation. A bench warrant is the only way we are going to get this dealt with.”
A bench warrant was issued for Morgan.
