A teenager has been handed a suspended sentence after committing nine offences in just over four months.

Katie Alice O’Sullivan, of Church Road Marina, Douglas, admitted assaulting two police officers, resisting arrest, two counts of property damage, two thefts, cannabis possession, and being a person under 18 consuming alcohol in a public place.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes sentenced the 17-year-old to 22 weeks in custody, suspended for two years.

Prosecutor James Robinson said O’Sullivan’s spree started on February 19 when she was one of three youths found in public toilets at Bank Street in Castletown.

O’Sullivan was drinking a bottle of vodka and repeatedly swore at police.

She smashed the bottle on the floor and had to be restrained by police as she kicked one officer on the shin and punched another on the side of the face. O’Sullivan was restrained using Pava spray.

On March 25, while on bail for those offences, O’Sullivan was part of a group found in Castletown Civic Centre on Farrants Way at 11.15pm.

They had entered the building while it was being cleaned and O’Sullivan was found in possession of a small amount of cannabis.

O’Sullivan was arrested on April 10 after stealing false nails from Superdrug and then on June 14 after taking a bottle of vodka from Marks and Spencer.

Advocate Jane Gray said O’Sullivan had been described as a ’vulnerable young woman’ and lacking in confidence by a social worker.

’All the offences were committed in a four-month period,’ said Ms Gray.

’The first coincided with the breakdown of her parents’ relationship. Alcohol has played a large factor in the assaults and resisting arrest offence. She accepts her behaviour was appalling.’

Ms Gray said staff at White Hoe non-secure unit where O’Sullivan had previously been residing had described her as a ’polite and well-mannered young woman’.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told O’Sullivan: ’This was an appalling catalogue of offences carried out over a period approaching four months.

’You have said you do not want to be thought of as a thief. Well you are a thief.

’This court says time and time again that those who assault police officers can expect nothing less than a custodial sentence.’

Mrs Hughes cited O’Sullivan’s personal circumstances, her age and her remorse as grounds to suspend the sentence but said that it was likely to be activated if the teenager offended again in the next two years.

O’Sullivan was ordered to pay £12 compensation to Marks and Spencer, £100 for damage at the Castletown Civic Centre, and £100 to the two police officers for the assaults. She must also pay £125 costs.