Booted cop

A Salsburgh woman who booted a police officer and then scratched his arm has been given a chance by a sheriff to avoid a prison sentence.

Elizabeth McGuinness, of Carvale Avenue, behaved in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm at home on August 29.

Airdrie Sheriff Court heard last week how McGuinness, 49, adopted an aggressive attitude and was repeatedly shouting and swearing.

Prosecutor Roslyn O’Hara told the court she refused to stop when asked to do so. McGuinness then attacked a police officer by kicking him on the body and scratching him.

At the time she was on bail from Airdrie Sheriff Court, an order imposed on her on July 22.

Ms O’Hara added:“She was fairly upset and kicked the officer on the left leg and scratched his forearm; she was taken to Coatbridge police office.”

Her lawyer told the court:“She is embarrassed about her behaviour; this was an isolated incident.

“A community-based disposal would be more appropriate than custody.”

Sheriff Fergus Thomson told McGuinness:“I note that you have been of good behaviour for a few years and I am happy to accept that this incident was a one off.”

McGuinness was given a community payback order, which included 12 months on supervision.

She was also ordered to carry out

108 hours of unpaid work, reduced from 120 hours because of her early plea; she was told to complete the work within 12 months.

The sheriff added:“This is an alternative to custody.”