CS spray used after woman lashed out

The action was taken against 31-year-old Lynda Marie Patton of 8 Margaret Square who appeared at North Antrim Magistrates Court in Coleraine last Wednesday on four charges.

Patton admitted assaulting a female police Constable in the execution of her duty, assaulting a male police officer in the execution of his duty, being disorderly in a public place at John Street, Ballymoney, and without lawful excuse destroyed or damaged a police issue radio belonging to the PSNI. All the offences took place on March 18 last year.

Two previous matters which were said to have been separate incidents were dealt with at an earlier court with Patton successfully contesting the cases.

The court was told that on March 18 last police were tasked to a domestic incident. The defendant was identified as one of the parties involved.

A police patrol drove along John Street and spoke to the defendant. They asked for her name, but she refused to provide any details. The court was told that Patton shouted and swore at police and was asked for her name a second time.

She continued to shout and swear and was warned about her behaviour and that she risked being arrested. The prosecution account was that Patton continued to shout and swear and was told that this time she was being arrested.

The court then heard that police took hold of the defendant's arm and escorted her to the car.

A struggle developed and defendant was said to have fought and kicked. Officers attempted to handcuff her, but she continued to hit out. She was then put on the ground, but still continued to kick out hitting police on the arms, legs and back.

She was warned that CS spray would be used, but continued her aggression. A second warning was issued about using CS spray, but she did not stop struggling. At this point the CS spray was used once.

During the incident a police radio had been pulled from one of the officer's housing.

The prosecuting solicitor said that one of the officers sustained damage to soft tissue as well as tendon damage. Cuts and bruises were also sustained.

When told that the damage to the police radio amounted to 866, defence counsel said her client would not be in a position to pay the money back.

"I do not see any prospect of compensation," she said.

Counsel added that her client would be prepared to accept the recommendation contained in pre-sentence reports and adhere to any conditions the court imposed.

District Judge, Mr. Jim McFarland, imposed a 12 month probation order and ordered Patton to pay 100 compensation.