A CARLISLE woman who injured a police officer with a knife during a struggle has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Carlisle Crown Court heard Tanya Alexandra Butler had confessed to drinking two litres of vodka before an incident on February 28.
Butler, 40, was in a “pretty shocking state” when found drunk and on the tracks at the city’s railway station.
Police took her to hospital admit concerns for her condition and mental health. But when she absconded, PC Daniel Thompson found her at her mother’s address, where she expressed suicidal intentions and thoughts.
She “lunged” at a kitchen block, withdrawing a knife with a serrated 12-inch blade. And during the course of a struggle with the PC – who remained concerned for her welfare – he suffered a laceration to the tissue between his thumb and forefinger. The injury required five stitches.
Butler later admitted an actual bodily harm assault, and was said to have told PC Thompson afterwards: “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
After hearing she admitted the offence to police and co-operated with a probation officer, Judge James Adkin suspended an eight-month jail term for two years. Butler, of Melbourne Road, Carlisle, must also complete a four-month night-time curfew, alcohol treatment requirement and rehabilitation.
“Many judges would have sent you to prison today,” said Judge Adkin, who had heard of her previous convictions for crimes against police. “I am going to draw back from that, and give you an opportunity to draw back from your drinking habit.”
