Sunderland woman kicked police officer after mixing alcohol with prescription medication on her 30th birthday

Police had been called to a disturbance in Chelsey Laidler's street in June last year and saw her "agitated and upset" when they arrived.

Newcastle Crown Court heard officers said Laidler, who ignored attempts to calm her down and warnings about her behaviour, was "drunk" and ended up being arrested.

Prosecutor Claire Anderson said Laider shouted, swore and banged her head and feet while being transported to the police station and had to be "forcibly lifted" into the custody suite.

Miss Anderson added: "As she was being searched she became violent and kicked out."

The court heard one of the officers was hit in the shin by a kick and suffered immediate pain and redness.

The officer said in a victim statement: "I work as a police officer. This doesn't give any person the right or lawful authority to assault me.

"I don't expect to come to work and be assaulted for carrying out my duty."

Laidler, of The Limes, Houghton, Sunderland, who has a learning disability and problems with anxiety, admitted assault on an emergency worker on the basis of recklessness, rather than a deliberate attack.

Shada Mellor, defending, said Laidler "was celebrating her 30th birthday" and had been drinking while taking her prescription medication.

Miss Mellor said the behaviour that followed was "completely out of character".

Mr Recorder Jamie Hill QC sentenced Laidler to a conditional discharge for 12 months, ordered her to pay £100 compensation and £100 costs.

The judge said he accepted what happened was a "one off" and told Laidler: "The police didn't want to arrest you on your birthday, the police didn't want to take you to the police station but you didn't want to calm down."

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