A WOMAN who spat at a police officer called to help paramedics after she overdosed on drugs walked free from court.

District Judge Joanna Dickens told Tiegan Lloyd in normal circumstances she would send the 20-year-old to prison for assaulting the female police officer in Swindon last August.

But noting the young woman had attacked the officer after taking an overdose, was remorseful and a low risk of reoffending, the judge imposed a 12 month community order. Lloyd must pay £100 compensation and complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 27 hours at the attendance centre.

The judge said: “This is a horrendous situation for police officers. If you imagine the situation where you go to work everyday and everyday you are exposed to the possibility you could get a serious illness from somebody spitting at you or you could get seriously injured, you have to seriously ask why you want to do it.”

Earlier, Swindon Magistrates’ Court heard police officers had been called to assist paramedics in Swindon on August 23 last year after reports their male patient was “kicking off” in the ambulance.

When they arrived, they found Lloyd and the man in the back of the ambulance. Lloyd, who was described as appearing to be “under the influence” of something, was holding onto the man - although the two officers managed to remove her arms from around his neck.

She repeatedly kicked out at the officers. She punched PC Jessica Sowden’s body armour and tried to swing for her face before spitting at her. The spittle landed on the officer’s cheek. In a victim statement, the officer said: “I am extremely angry about the whole situation. Spitting at someone is one of the most vile and disgusting acts.”

A month later, on September 14, police were called to an Esso garage in Swindon after Lloyd, who was with two others, pulled out a night pay drawer having been asked for ID when she tried to buy cigarettes. Police officers called to the scene described her as acting hysterically. She appeared to be intoxicated and was shouting and swearing.

Defending, Emma Thacker said her client’s “unpleasant and violent” relationship had ended early last year. Lloyd had become anxious and upset that her former partner would find out where she was.

She had struggled with her mental health and, on the day she assaulted PC Sowden, had made an attempt on her life. It was a “cry for help”, her lawyer said.

The young woman was now trying to get back on her feet, was medicated for anxiety and hoped to return to work.

Lloyd, of Milton Road, Swindon, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker, criminal damage and breach of a conditional discharge.

Imposing the 12 month community order, District Judge Dickens warned: “If you come back before the court again for assaulting a police officer you will go to prison.”