A Portadown woman who assaulted police who tried to bring her to accommodation has been sentenced to two months in prison.
The 21-year-old’s barrister told court: “After leaving hospital, she was taken to her family member’s address Her history with her family is turbulent to say the least; she didn’t want to go there and she starts to play up.”
Chloe Tucker, of Ulsterville Grove, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour, criminal damage, assault on police and resisting police at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court, via videolink from Hydebank.
Prosecution outlined that on December 12, shortly after midnight, police conveyed the defendant to an address in Portadown, following an assessment that had taken place in hospital.
On arrival at the address, the occupant declined to have Tucker reside there and alternative accommodation was therefore found.
The defendant was present in the rear of a police vehicle and she began shouting and swearing at officers.
Tucker kicked out narrowly missing the face of a constable and caused damage to their watch.
Police had to open both doors to get the defendant under control, applying limb restraints and handcuffs, and she continued to shout despite warnings.
Tucker was arrested and during interview made no comment to questions put.
Defence barrister Conor Coulter described his client as a “troubled” individual with “unexplored traumas”.
He stated: “I have to concede, a lot of the reason for that not being explored is as a result of her lack of engagement. Her record is peppered with failure to engage with probation or any of the services in terms of mental health and statutary assistance.
“After leaving hospital, she was taken to her family member’s address. Her history with her family is turbulent to say the least; she didn’t want to go there and she starts to play up.”
Mr Coulter asked that, given the lack of injuries and that his client had spent a considerable amount of time in custody, any sentence did not interfere with her release date of mid-March.
Deputy District Judge Greg McCourt sentenced Tucker to two months in prison for the offences before the court.
