Woman attacked police and said she had Covid

COURT: Jail for Perth Asbo-breaker who created mayhem after nine-hour party

A “neighbour from hell” attacked five police officers after they arrived to break up her Asbo-breaching nine-hour party.

Sarah Stewart, 23, reacted by tearing off their PPE and telling them she had coronavirus, as well as threatening to firebomb their families.

Sheriff Tom Hughes jailed Stewart for 27 months.

Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson told Dundee Sheriff Court that Stewart’s neighbour on County Place, Perth, had to call the police five times between 10.40pm and 8am the following day.

“She has reported noise from the flat to police on a number of occasions. It was having an impact on her mental and physical health.

“There was loud music, screaming and banging. Three or four people were present in breach of the Asbo. Police did not arrive and it got worse.

“At 00.40am she called again. Police arrived and the accused turned off the music. Within 15 minutes the music was back on.”

The same thing happened again through the night, and items were thrown out of the flat, smashing on the communal area outside at 4am.

When police arrived again at 8am, Stewart said: “I have the virus and will spit on you all.

“I will find your children and slit their throats and stab your mum and dad.”

Stewart continued her foul-mouthed rant for more than hour.

Miss Robertson said the officers were genuinely concerned Stewart might be infected with Covid but the court was told she did not get tested.

Stewart, from Perth, admitted breaching her Asbo on June 6 and 7 by shouting, swearing, screaming, slamming doors, fighting, playing loud music and having more than one visitor.

She admitted assaulting PC Scott Birrell by kicking him on the body and striking his head. She assaulted PC Shirley Moran by pulling her hair, seizing her PPE and stating she had Covid.

She admitted attacking PC Laura Greenhow and PC Philip Laing with her hands and feet and by pulling off their masks while telling them she was infected with Covid.

Stewart admitted attacking PC Andrew Beattie by headbutting him, and threatening to kill officers and their families by bombing and burning down their homes.

She admitted saying she was infected with Covid and threatening to rip off PPE and spit on the officers.

Solicitor Paul Ralph, defending, said: “Her memory of it is hazy at best.

“She seems to have completely lost the plot. When she is sober she is the politest of clients and is deeply apologetic.

“It is about time she took a tumble to herself and recognises this has to stop.”

Sarah Stewart is led from court after admitting she assaulted five police officers after a nine-hour party at her home.