A young Yorkshire woman who threatened a paramedic and firefighter with a broken bottle has been sent to a young offenders' institution for 12 months.
Jessica Louise Simms, 20, of The Crescent, Selby, appeared at York Magistrates' Court, where the court heard the offences were so serious that only an immediate custodial sentence could be justified.
Threats and damage on September 17
On September 17, Simms threatened the emergency workers who had come to her aid. After being arrested, she damaged the police cell she was taken to.
She was later charged with two counts of threatening a person with an offensive weapon, criminal damage and breaching a Community Protection Notice. She pleaded guilty to all offences.
Breach of station ban and re-sentencing
On the same day, Simms had entered Selby train station in breach of the notice, which banned her from the station following previous convictions for assaulting a police officer, impersonating a police officer and causing the wasteful employment of police.
No penalty was imposed for breaching the order, but she was re-sentenced for assaulting a police officer and given three months' detention, which will run concurrently with the 12-month sentence. She was also ordered to pay £79 compensation and a £187 surcharge.
Police response to the sentencing
PC Emily Blackwell, of Selby Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Jessica Simms’ actions have wasted countless hours of police, ambulance and other emergency service time, diverting resources away from genuine incidents and people who are in real need of assistance.
“Today’s sentence sends a clear message that such behaviour is not a game and will not be tolerated. Emergency services exist to protect the public, safeguard vulnerable people and keep our communities safe. Those who deliberately waste these valuable resources can expect to be held accountable for their actions.
“I would like to thank the officers and partner agencies involved for their persistence in bringing this matter before the courts and achieving this outcome for the community.”
