A SINGLE mum-of-two struck a police officer in the face after a night out celebrating her birthday.

Kendal Magistrates’ Court heard how Samantha Taylor, of Helm Close, Windermere, assaulted PC Nicola Phelps outside the Wheelhouse nightclub on January 25.

On March 12, the 26-year-old pleaded guilty to two charges, assaulting a constable and being drunk and disorderly.

Adrienne Harris, prosecuting, told the court that PC Phelps had spotted a group of people looking like they had been thrown out of the club on Glebe Road at 2.45am.

After approaching the night spot with a colleague, she could see eight females and five males arguing. In a statement read out to the court, Taylor was described as ‘screaming and swearing’ at the others in the group.

After repeatedly trying to calm the defendant down, PC Phelps grabbed hold of her left arm to try and move her away from the area.

Taylor then struck the officer in the face. John Batty, defending, told the court that the assault was not ‘deliberate’ but Taylor does admit she can become very loud when drunk.

Taylor was fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 in costs, £20 in victim surcharge, £50 in compensation and was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

Magistrate, Pam Keegan, said: “This has worked out to be a very expensive night out for you.”