Former care worker admits kicking, spitting at and shouting homophobic abuse at police officers

Kelly Imeson from Sunderland kicked and spat at two police officers before subjecting one of them to homophobic abuse.
By Ryan Smith
Published 27th Aug 2020, 16:00 BST
Updated 28th Aug 2020, 16:37 BST
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Imeson, of Hewitt Avenue in Hollycarrside pleaded guilty at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court to two separate charges of common assault of an emergency worker by beating.

The attacks took place on Saturday, July 25 when Northumbria Police were called to Imeson’s address where she kicked out with both feet and hit one of the officers in the stomach.

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Kelly Imeson leaving South Tyneside Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to assaulting two police officers.Kelly Imeson leaving South Tyneside Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to assaulting two police officers.
Kelly Imeson leaving South Tyneside Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to assaulting two police officers.
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She then tried to bite the second police officer while they were attempting to restrain the 41-year-old before spitting at them, hitting their cheek and vest.

The abuse continued when she arrived at the police station, and she shouted homophobic abuse at one of the arresting police officers.

A victim impact statement from the police officer who was kicked in the stomach was read out for the court.

It said: “I am proud to be a police constable and I know that there is a high risk that comes with the job but that doesn’t give anyone the right to assault me.

"The language used towards me was abhorrent and hurtful.”

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An impact statement from the second police officer, who was spat at by the former care worker, added: “The worst kind of assault is spitting, especially during a global pandemic.

"The incident caused me to stress about contracting the virus and passing it onto my family.”

The case was adjourned by the magistrates until October 22 so that further evidence could be examined ahead of sentencing.

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