South Shields mum abused police and hospital worker during foul outbursts

Sarah Johnson, 43, caused havoc during drunken rants at South Tyneside District Hospital, South Shields town centre and outside her home.

During the latter, she stuck a finger up at a passing police car, verbally abused officers who stopped – and threatened to slit their throats, a court heard.

Johnson, of Longleat Gardens, South Shields, first kicked off when appearing for a hearing at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 4.

She spotted police in the waiting area and used abusive language in front of them, fellow defendants and staff.

Prosecutor Marc Atkins said her rant included criticism of politicians Theresa May and Boris Johnson.

He added: “She then turned her attention back to the officers, called them bullies and said there was no wonder there were so many terrorists in the country.

“Her solicitor tried to diffuse the situation by taking her into a waiting room, but she came back out and continued to shout abuse.

“One officer then heard her make a racist remark. She was removed from the building but continued to shout.”

Johnson struck next at 10.15pm on Tuesday, March 10, in King Street, South Shields, when she spoke “foul language of a racist nature” in front of a police community support officer.

Mr Atkins said her next offence was on Tuesday, March 24, in nearby Ocean Road, when she stuck a finger up while drunk at police driving past.

And on Tuesday, May 12, she turned up at South Tyneside District Hospital, but refused to be treated and became abusive, again after consuming booze.

Mr Atkins added: “Police were called by staff because she was being abusive. She was abusive to security staff, calling one a ‘fat prat’.”

Johnson’s last drink and disorderly crime came on Wednesday, July 8, when she abused police who drove past her home while responding to an unrelated incident.

Said Mr Atkins: “She was in the street and stuck a finger up at officers and was swearing.

“She was drunk and called them **** and ****. She threatened to slit their throats.”

Joanne Gatens, defending, said Johnson had been largely crime free before entering a highly abusive relationship two years ago.

She added: “Sarah is a lady with significant problems. I don’t think the court can ignore that her offending started last year.

“The other problem that she has is that she has a significant alcohol problem that has escalated by her relationship with this man.”

The court heard Johnson was given a 12-week prison term, suspended for 12 months, on November 27 last year, which has just days left to run.

Johnson pleaded guilty to two charges of racially aggravated harassment and three of being drunk and disorderly.

Magistrates fined her £120 for each racist abuse offence and £40 for each drunk and disorderly offence, with £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.

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