The defendant admitted spitting and scratching an officer on the chin
A 23-year-old Enniskillen woman who spat, scratched and hit two police officers has been given a three month sentence suspended for two years.
Aishling Marie McLaughlin, of Oakfield Court, appeared before Enniskillen Magistrates Court charged with assaulting the two police officers.
She admitted to spitting and scratching an officer on the chin who was trying to stop her from banging her head off the wall in a drunken rage.
A prosecutor explained to the court that on May 31 shortly after 1am police officers were called to a property in Enniskillen where McLaughlin was found to be causing bother outside her mother’s home.
Police spoke with the defendant’s mother who confirmed that she lived at the house alone and that her daughter had arrived to the house drunk and had been a “nuisance”.
The officers then spoke to the accused and told her to leave the area, however she became upset by this request and attempted to lunge at her mother forcing the officers to intervene.
As she was being escorted to the police car, McLaughlin spat at an officer then struck another on the chest as well as scratching an officer’s chin and kicking out.
The court heard that the defendant kept shouting at the officers before dropping to her knees.
A defence solicitor told the court that his client had a record of a similar nature when she was convicted of two counts of assault and disorderly behaviour on three separate occasions.
The court was also told that she failed to adhere to probation orders and that these did not deter her from committing further offences.
McLaughlin who has suffered a troubled upbringing after spending some time in a care centre where she suffered from bouts of depression.
Her solicitor continued: “Her actions are most unsatisfactory and she accepts this behaviour is wrong and that the police were acting for her safety.
“She still finds time to help out fund raising and cares for the community and this has been a positive thing for her.”
District Judge Liam McNally sentenced her to three months in prison, suspended for two years while sending out a warning: “If you can’t drink, then don’t.”
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