An Arbroath woman who swung a piece of wood at police as they tried to arrest her has been jailed, after a sheriff said she did not believe a community-based order would work.
Danielle Black, 29, was sentenced to almost a year in prison after admitting a number of assaults.
She kicked out at a sergeant and a constable in May, before picking up a piece of wood and swinging it at them.
Both officers avoided injury in the incident, Forfar Sheriff Court was told.
She further admitted hitting her former partner Raymond Johnson after an argument over “smoking crack” got out of hand.
Black, who has a number of convictions and had just completed a community-based sentence, pleaded to be kept out of prison as Sheriff Alison Michie made her decision.
Police assault
Depute fiscal Matthew Kerr told the court: “At around 7.55pm on May 24, police were required to attend the house on Demondale Road in relation to ongoing shouting.
“Black brandished a length of wood, which had been on the floor outside the front door.
“She made an attempt to strike the officer, Sergeant Whitton.
“She was restrained and began to lash out.
“She kicked both officers numerous times.
“She repeatedly kicked PC Cuthill and Sergeant Whitton to the body.
“Neither officer suffered any injuries.
“The accused was conveyed to police custody in the back of a marked van.”
Smashed plates on partner
In the other incident, Black assaulted her former partner of five years at his home address.
Mr Kerr said: “At around 5am on July 24 Black woke up the complainer and told him she wished to smoke some crack.
“The complainer told her to be patient.
“There was then an argument.
“At 7.30am both were in the hallway arguing.
“Black picked up some plates and threw them at the complainer’s head.
“He had a 2cm laceration to his forehead.
“His head was bleeding.
“Black shouted ‘if you get me the jail, I’ll get you the jail’.”
She began cutting herself, the emergency services were called and Black was arrested.
Sentencing
The court heard the complainer indicated to police he would like a non-harassment order put in place.
Defence solicitor Nick Whelan said: “She has spent some time in custody in regard to the police incident.
“She has brought the relationship to an end.”
Sheriff Michie said she could see no alternative to sending Black back to prison.
“The likelihood of her sticking to a high tariff, structured deferred sentence is poor.
“She is on a bail order and a deferred sentence already and a report from social work is poor.
“This matter has clearly breached the custody threshold.
“She repeatedly kicked out at police officers.
“On the second matter, I could consider reports but there is little chance of her engaging.
“There is no alternative.”
Black, of Demondale Road, Arbroath, admitted two assaults and was jailed for ten and a half months.
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