A woman has been handed a suspended sentence after biting one police officer and spitting at another.

Sarah Anne Marsden, 26, of Derby Square, Douglas, admitted two counts of assaulting a police officer as well as being drunk and disorderly and damaging property.

She was sentenced to eight weeks’ custody for one assault and 10 weeks for the other, to run consecutively, but suspended for two years.

No separate penalty was made for the other two offences but Marsden was also banned from licensed premises and from purchasing or being sold alcohol for 12 months.

She was also ordered to pay £150 compensation to each officer and £55 for a fire alarm she broke.

We previously reported how, on May 29 at 11.20pm, police were called to Hague Crescent after a report of Marsden staggering down the road.

Officers located her and tried to get her to stay with friends or family due to concerns for her safety, but Marsden became abusive, swearing at them.

She became aggressive and ended up being arrested but as she was put in the police van she spat at one officer with the spittle landing on his vest.

She was later granted police bail but on June 11 at just 5.50am officers were called to an address in Derby Square after Marsden had smashed a fire alarm without reason.

She was found in a flat there and attempted to kick and punch police.

She was said to be naked from the waist down and then bit the hand of a policewoman who was trying to help cover her up.

Defence advocate Paul Glover said: ’She has no teeth so any attempt to bite would not have caused damage. But she still accepts her behaviour wasn’t acceptable with or without teeth.’

Mr Glover said that although his client had cautions she had no previous convictions.’The theme does involve alcohol,’ he said..

’She apologises to the police for everything she has done and appreciates they have a difficult job to do. She informs me it is only because of alcohol she has behaved this way.’

Mr Glover said his client had been subject to a licensing ban while awaiting sentence and there had been no breaches.

’She accepts she does have a problem when in drink,’ said the advocate.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes described Marsden’s behaviour as ’appalling’ and told her: ’You need to think very carefully about your actions, particularly towards those are trying to help you.

’I agree the reason behind your offending is alcohol but you have to take responsibility for that.

’The fear for anyone bitten is that there might be consequences over and above the initial biting.’

Mrs Hughes suspended the sentence citing grounds that Marsden had no previous convictions, had been engaging with appropriate agencies, and her guilty pleas.

She must also pay £125 prosecution costs.