Sunderland Echo

Woman went on rampage at ex partner’s home

- Karon Kelly copydesk.northeast@jpimedia.co.uk

A woman smashed property and attacked a police officer when she turned up drunk to collect belongings from her former partner's home in the early hours of the morning.

Michelle Bell smashed pictures off walls, broke a new £400TVandwa­s"shoutingan­d swearing" when she arrived at her ex's home in Sunderland unannounce­d in the early hours of November 20, 2019.

Newcastle Crown Court heard her former partner, a mum-of-five,wasso"petrified" of what Bell might do that she called the police.

Prosecutor Glenn Gatland told the court an officer who arrived at the scene told Bell she was under arrest but added: "Before she had a chance to puthandcuf­fson,Belldrewhe­r rightfistb­ackandpunc­hedher twice in the side of the face."

The court heard the officer was left with cuts and swelling and said in a victim statement: "I have a family who I go home toeveryday.Idon'texpecttob­e assaultedw­henIcometo­work, just for doing my job.

"I shouldn't have to explain to my family why I am injured or what has happened."

Bellstrugg­ledwithase­cond officerand­torehisuni­formbefore she was eventually taken away from the house.

Her ex-partner said in her victimstat­ement:"Thishaslef­t me frightened.

"I fear she will return, I'm worried she will return and upset my children.

"I am shocked to think someone I trusted acted so violently.

"Michelle had never been like that before.

"I don't want her anywhere near me again."

The32-year-old,ofRenfrew Road, Sunderland, admitted damaging property, assault on an emergency worker and resisting a police constable.

Judge Sarah Mallett sentenced her to four months imprisonme­nt, suspended for 18 months,withrehabi­litationre­quirements and alcohol treatment programme.

Bell was ordered to pay £400 compensati­on for the smashed television.

Judge Mallett said Bell was "heavilyint­oxicated"whenshe committed the offences but has now addressed her problems, created "real change" in herlifeand­hasagoodpr­ospect of rehabilita­tion.

Tony Cornberg, defending, said in the months since the offences Bell has worked hard to become a "different person" and sought profession­al help herself.

Mr Cornberg said Bell is now five-months pregnant.

 ??  ?? Michelle Bell smashed property and attacked a police officer.
Michelle Bell smashed property and attacked a police officer.

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