A Motherwell woman has been fined for kicking a police officer in the groin during a visit to Newcastle for a music event. Frances Hoey, 28, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court after the incident outside the Leonardo Hotel in the city centre on May 2.
Incident Details
Police were called to the hotel at around 11:40 am, where they found Hoey sitting on the ground, separated from her friends. She was holding a half-empty bottle of gin and appeared intoxicated. Officers noticed a plastic bag nearby that they believed contained cannabis skunk.
When officers informed Hoey that she would be searched, she became agitated. As they placed a handcuff on her right wrist, she kicked one officer in the groin, causing immediate pain. She was arrested for assaulting an emergency worker.
Court Proceedings
Hoey pleaded guilty to the charge. Prosecutor Stephen Davies told the court that the victim suffered immediate pain and that Hoey had a previous conviction for assaulting a police officer.
Defending, Andy O'Hanlon said Hoey worked as a postwoman and was deeply ashamed. He explained that she had come to Newcastle for a music event with friends but consumed too much alcohol, became separated, and was tired and emotional. He added that when the officer touched her, she became semi-hysterical.
District Judge Kate Meek fined Hoey £240 and ordered her to pay £150 compensation to the officer. The judge noted that Hoey kicked the officer with a shod foot, which counts as using a weapon.
