Hit officer after she was found drunk

She also kicked another officer on the shoulder when travelling in a police vehicle, Banbridge Magistrates Court heard last Thursday.

Chelsea Dougan, whose address was given to the court as Eden Drive, Markethill, admitted disorderly behaviour at Church Square, Banbridge, on March 24 this year and two assaults on police.

For the two assaults she was sentenced to three months in custody and given one month for the disorderly offence.

The custodial terms are to run concurrently and were suspended for 12 months.

The court heard that at 1.40am police went to a disturbance at the Coach night club where they saw the defendant lying on the ground.

As they approached her she got up and struck an officer on the right side of his face.

Dougan was arrested for assault and when she continued to be aggressive she was arrested for disorderly behaviour.

When in the police vehicle she kicked the driver on the shoulder.

A solicitor representing the defendant said she would apologise profusely for the incident which was totally out of character.

He added that alcohol played a part and Dougan had no recollection whatsoever of the events. Her actions were totally inexplicable.

The solicitor said she had pleaded guilty and wanted to put the whole matter behind her.

District Judge, Mr Peter King, said it was ‘appalling’ the way she had treated the two officers, striking one squarely in the face.