A WOMAN was having a 'medical episode' when she assaulted a police officer after being suspected of drink driving, a court heard.
Antonia Cheetham came to the attention of police while she was driving her Vauxhall Corsa on the A590 near Haverthwaite on June 18 earlier this year, prosecutor Lee Dacre said.
The 28-year-old then refused to provide an evidential specimen of breath for analysis after officers had reason to believe she had been driving whilst over the legal alcohol limit.
She was arrested and escorted to the police van when she then struck PC Phil Ansell to the shin with her leg, Mr Dacre explained.
He explained enquiries also revealed Cheetham had been driving without valid insurance. A small amount of cannabis consistent with personal use was also found in the vehicle.
Cheetham, of Slyne Road, Bolton-le-Sands, pleaded guilty to assault by beating of an emergency worker, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, possession of cannabis and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance.
In mitigation, solicitor Michael Graham said: “Up until 2020, the defendant was at Dane Garth at Furness General Hospital for psychosis, anxiety and depression.
“She is medicated but prior to this offending had not taken her medication. She closed herself down and was not engaging with people.
“When asked to provide, she was short of breath and had anxiety. She was having a medical episode in her own mind.
“She had been using temporary insurance on a week-by-week basis.
“She was not thinking straight when she kicked backwards towards the officer.
“She is now stable and no longer uses drugs. Hopefully things will improve for her now.
“She wants to improve her business and focus on herself.”
Magistrates imposed a medium level community order with one requirement of completing 90 hours of unpaid work.
They also banned her from driving for 20 months and ordered for forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis seized.
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