Mum assaulted police officer and damaged door after Sunderland Royal Hospital nurse confiscated vodka bottle

Jobless Sarah Scott, 28, lashed out when PC Derek Potts tried to restrain her during the bust-up at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Minutes earlier Scott, of Dalegarth Grove, Sunderland, had damaged an air vent door in direct retaliation for a nurse confiscating her booze.

Scott’s defence solicitor claimed she had long nails and had not meant to injure the officer at around 6.30pm on Tuesday, July 21.

But she has been told by magistrates she must pay PC Potts £100 for his injury - but nothing to the hospital.

Prosecutor Gurjot Kaur told South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court: “A nurse was at work when she heard the defendant swear.

“She removed a bottle of vodka from the defendant, because clearly it was not allowed.

“The defendant noticed that the bottle was missing. She started kicking and punching walls.

“The nurse told the defendant to stop it and other staff tried, but she damaged the door.

“Staff were unable to hold the defendant. PC Potts arrived and tried to calm her down, but she became aggressive.

“She scratched his forearm. She was cautioned and taken to South Shields police station.”

Defence solicitor Sophie Cohen told the court Scott had no previous convictions, adding: “There’s a real background to this matter.

“Ms Scott has had some problems for some time with mental health and alcohol.

“It was not your typical PC assault, it wasn’t aggravated by malice. She has fairly long nails, the scratch was not intentional, but she accepts that she caused it.

“She is remorseful and very, very sorry for what’s happened. She has shown remorse.

“She has demonstrated a real commitment to getting this matter resolved.”

Scott pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and to assaulting an emergency worker.

Magistrates sentenced her an 18-month community order, with a requirement of 20 days of rehabilitation work with the Probation Service.

She was fined £80 and must pay £85 court costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

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