Woman's arrest wish came true

Leanne Michaela Esler (20), of Main Street, said to a police woman: "If I hit you, you will have to take me".

As she struck out her wish came true and she too was arrested.

Also at North Antrim Magistrates Court in Coleraine last Wednesday, Esler's partner of the same address - Colin Marshall (23) - was present.

A prosecutor said that around 10.50pm on October 29 last year police were called to the hospital by security staff who said they were having problems with a female - Esler - who was shouting and swearing.

A male - Marshall - was also shouting and was being obstructive.

A defence lawyer who represented the couple said both are on benefits.

He said they went to the hospital after Marshall sustained an injury and whilst he was waiting for treatment Esler became involved, as she sees it, in "a bit of banter" with security staff but because of alcohol she had taken she was really "becoming a nuisance".

He said Marshall became aggressive and when he was being arrested she panicked and wanted to go with him.

The lawyer said Esler has a "troubled and difficult background" and she is apologetic for her actions which were "stupid and uncalled for".

He said the officer she struck was not seriously injured.

He said Esler has to address alcohol problems and anger management and said she doesn't work because of her difficulties with alcohol and had lost her employment a year ago.

The defence lawyer said Marshall, who is originally from Stranraer, has a considerable and lengthy record, and committed his first offence at the age of 12 and has been "in and out" of custody since 14.

The court was told Marshall got out of jail in Scotland in 2008 and moved to Northern Ireland to "start afresh" and formed a relationship with Esler.

District Judge Richard Wilson asked if Marshall had worked since he came to the province and the defence lawyer said the defendant's mother lives in Belfast and he came over here to seek a job.

Marshall pleaded guilty to two charges - disorderly behaviour and obstructing a constable - while Esler admitted being disorderly; assaulting a female police constable and damaging a police car.

Mr Wilson said: "I do not appreciate people who make a nuisance of themselves anywhere but particularly in the confines of a hospital. People go to hospital for very serious reasons sometimes and they don't need your antics fuelled by self-induced alcohol or whatever."

He ordered Esler to go on Probation for a year with requirements regarding alcohol addiction and anger management and also ordered her to do 200 hours community service.

Mr Wilson said her behaviour was "disgraceful" and he also ordered her to pay 200 compensation to the injured police officer who sustained bruising.

He told Esler: "If you don't like doing any of this come back again and I will deal with that another way."

Regarding Marshall, Mr Wilson said the defendant had an undistinguished record in Scotland and added: "It is a pity you didn't wise up and stay out of trouble when you came to Northern Ireland."

He imposed a three month jail term on Marshall, suspended for two years, and also ordered him to pay out 400 in fines.