A drink-driver who was almost three-and-a-half times the legal limit and assaulted two police officers after she was arrested has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Katarzyna Piesta, 42, was behind the wheel of a white BMW 1 series which was stopped by police at Bousteads Grassing in Denton Holme, Carlisle, just after 6.30pm on December 29. It was suspected she was over the prescribed alcohol limit.
Piesta initially refused to open the door of the vehicle, before doing so, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard today.
As she then attempted to walk away, handcuffs were applied and she began to resist.
As she was pinned to the ground, Piesta spat at, bit, scratched and kicked a female police constable, who was fortunately not injured.
After being taken into custody, Piesta kicked out at a second female officer, connecting with her neck and chin but she, too, escaped injury.
An evidential sample showed Piesta, of Maryport Cottages, Carlisle, had 121 micrograms of alcohol oin 100 millilitres of breath. The legal driving limit is 35mcg.
In court she pleaded guilty to one drink-driving charge and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker by beating.
A probation officer told magistrates Piesta had consumed two bottles of wine amid a mental health crisis before the offences. Piesta was “absolutely appalled” that she had got behind the wheel and was sorry for her conduct towards the two police officers.
She had since stopped drinking and was engaging with professionals in a bid to make positive changes to her life.
After hearing background information, magistrates imposed an 18-week jail term which they suspended for a year. Piesta must complete rehabilitation work with the probation service, and must serve a 30-month driving ban.
