Woman bit police officer's hand

Elaine Pamela Campbell (43), of Mourneview Avenue, Lurgan, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for three years, at Friday’s court, for assaulting a female police officer, occasioning her actual bodily harm.

Campbell was fined 150 for resisting another officer in the execution of his duty, and 100 for disorderly behaviour.

A Public Prosecutions Service lawyer said that on September 5 last, Campbell, who was intoxicated, shouted abuse at police, at Millennium Way.

The lawyer said police tried to calm Campbell down, but she bit one of the officers on the hand, causing bruising and swelling, and then bit the officer twice.

When Campbell was interviewed, she admitted being disorderly, but did not recall biting the officer.

In a plea in mitigation, a defending solicitor said Campbell had had a very disadvantaged life, and “she has done her best, under the circumstances.” He said the defendant apologises for her behaviour.

Sentencing the defendant, District Judge Philip Mateer told her, “This was outrageous behaviour.”