Drunk South Shields mum bit one police officer and hit another in 'repulsive animal-like' attack

Claire Fowles bit one constable and "pushed an hit" another during the confrontation that has been described by a judge as "repulsive", particularly during a pandemic.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 40-year-old, of Winskell Road, South Shields, was so intoxicated at the time of the attacks in February that she does not remember what she did.

Fowles pleaded guilty to assault and assault on an emergency worker.

Recorder Kama Melly QC sentenced her to ten months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation and alcohol treatment requirements.

The judge told her: "In February this year two police officers came to your home and their job was to protect you, that's why they were there.

"However, they met you in a state of high intoxication and it's right to say you behaved appallingly to those officers.

"There was a sustained incident which involved you pushing and hitting."You then went on to bite the other PC. That caused incredible pain as it broke the skin."The court heard when other officers arrived Fowles tried to bite them too.The judge added: "This is, as well you know, utterly foul behaviour and can be described in that way at any time but for our emergency services having to work every day during this pandemic your behaviour towards them is particularly repulsive.

"Your behaviour is described as being like an animal."Recorder Melly said a custodial sentence was "well deserved" but the jail term could be suspended in Fowles' case due to her background and personal circumstances.

The judge said: "In ordinary circumstances there would be no question in my mind, this would have to be a custodial sentence for anybody assaulting our emergency workers.

"These courts are here to protect them and they expect that from us.

"However, there is a complex factual situation that relates to your background and you have not committed offences for close to 20 years."

Shada Mellor, defending, said Fowles, who has mental health problems and is on methadone, was in a "highly distressed" state at the time of the offences and added: "She says she was so intoxicated she does not recall the offence."However, when showed the body-worn footage she made admissions, acknowledging it was her and apologising profusely to the officers for her behaviour."She describes, having watched the footage, she felt ashamed and disgusted by her disgraceful behaviour and accepts full responsibility for her actions."

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.