A 56-year-old Douglas woman has been handed a suspended sentence after admitting two assaults on police officers.

Lorraine Hicklin, of Watterson Close, was sentenced by magistrates to 16 weeks custody, suspended for two years and was also made the subject of a 12 month suspended sentence supervision order.

She was also banned from entering licensed premises and purchasing or being sold alcohol for 12 months.

Prosecutor Michael Jelski told the court how, on February 19 at 7.15pm, police were called to Hicklin’s Watterson Close address where she resides with her husband.

She claimed she had been assaulted by her husband but then admitted she had lied and had called police because he would not make her a cigarette.

Police told Hicklin they were going to find her alternative accommodation to avoid a further breach of the peace, however she became aggressive kicking one officer on the thigh, lashing out and digging her nails into another officer’s hand.

She continued shouting and swearing as she was arrested. Once in custody she shouted that she did not regret assaulting the officers.

Defence advocate Louise Cooil said: ’This is somewhat of a sad offence. It was more akin to a cry for help at a time of crisis rather than malicious intent.

’She had previously phoned police and been taken to the Crisis Referral Team. This was what her hope was on this occasion but things went too far.

’Ms Hicklin has a long and turbulent history in respect of alcohol.’

Ms Cooil said her client had given up her work to care for her ill husband and had lost her father earlier in the year.

’She has been using alcohol as the crutch it has always been,’ said the advocate.