Woman in court for attacking off-duty police officer and shopper in South Shields

A woman punched an off-duty police officer in the head before launching a separate attack at a South Shields shop three weeks later, chasing a member of staff and pushing a customer to the ground.

Kerryn Clavery, 30, who described herself as a drug addict, first turned violent after being caught attempting to steal from Lidl in South Shields on Wednesday, June 24.

The homeless defendant attacked the officer and kicked and stamped on a shop worker after being taken to a back room to await police, a court heard.

Three weeks later, she smashed the front door of a Morrisons Daily store in Dean Road, also in South Shields, causing £200 worth of damage.

She then shoved and chased a staff member before pushing over a shopper, causing minor bruising and cuts.

At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, Clavery pleaded guilty to three counts of assault by beating.

She also admitted one count each of assaulting a police officer in the execution of their duty, causing criminal damage and attempted theft.

Of the first incident, Mr Garside said: “She has put items into her clothing. An officer not on duty has approached the defendant.

“She became honest and said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m a drug addict’. She remained calm and continued to apologise, but she was up and down in her behaviour.

“She was taken into a back room to wait for police but stood up and threw her arms around and punched the officer to the head, just above the temple.

“She then attacked the member of staff by kicking his leg and stamping on his foot. No injuries were sustained.”

Mr Garside added: “She also entered Morrisons Daily and started to kick and damage the door, causing it to smash.

“She proceeded to assault a female staff member by pushing her and swinging her arms around and chased her around the store.

“She then pushed a member of the public over, causing cuts and bruising.”

David Forrester, miitgating, said: “She tells me she is very receptive to whatever support she can get.

“From a preventative perspective, my view is that more support is needed to assist her.”

District Judge Zoe Passfield adjourned the case for reports and adjourned the case until Friday, October 23.

Clavery was granted unconditional bail in the meantime.