A woman who punched a police officer once and then aimed another blow during a Carlisle hotel fracas has been sentenced in court.
Mum-of-five Lucy Avilez, 38, had initially been drinking in Carlisle’s Apple Tree pub on Lowther Street just before 5pm on Monday, February 28. Avilez was with her then husband, Brandon.
“During this visit they have gone outside and there has been an incident with members of the public,” prosecutor George Shelley told Carlisle Magistrates’ Court. “This behaviour has been reported to police.”
Almost an hour later, two police officers were on arrest enquiries involving the couple.
And while at the city centre Crown & Mitre Hotel, Avilez’s husband was detained. During the course of that arrest, Avilez engaged with one officer.
“She has punched him in the stomach, pushed him and tried to punch him again,” said Mr Shelley, who confirmed no injury was sustained by the PC.
After Avilez was also arrested, personal use quantities of cocaine and amphetamine were recovered.
She admitted illegal possession of the class A and B substances, and assaulting an emergency worker after she had originally been due to stand trial.
Andrew Gurney, defending, said her initial denial of that third charge had been because evidence was not fully disclosed by the prosecution.
“Miss Avilez is truly remorseful for what happened,” said Mr Gurney. “She was with her husband. They have since separated. She became distressed. She didn’t fully understand the reason for him being taken away.”
There had been “pushing and shoving” with the officer. The court heard of trauma in Avilez’s childhood, of her latter day mental health difficulties and that she was a full-time mother.
Referring to a recommendation made by a probation officer, Mr Gurney added: “I think the work that will be undertaken will be of great benefit in the future. This is a blip and something that will be addressed.”
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order comprising rehabilitation activity requirement days. Avilez, of Port Street, Dalbeattie, must also pay a £200 fine and court costs.
