Police attempting to help defuse a fight quickly became surrounded by an angry mob, a court heard.
Arbroath trio Mhoira Gibson, Jamie McAdam and Bryce Robertson were involved in a dispute that ended with one officer in hospital and an unsuccessful break-out from the back of a police van.
Gibson, 39, admitted her part in an assault and breach of the peace on August 2, along with 17-year-olds McAdam and Robertson.
A not guilty plea tendered by co-accused Daniel Gibson was accepted by the Crown.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told Forfar Sheriff Court how police converged on Westport in Arbroath after two officers were surrounded by an enraged group.
She said: “At around 1.35am, officers Hamilton and Gray were in the area on a mobile patrol. They saw accused McAdam on a footpath, where he appeared to challenge (Daniel) Gibson to a fight. There were six or so people involved.”
On stopping the van, McAdam became aggressive to one officer, who arrested him and put him in its rear. Daniel Gibson was also arrested.
“All persons crowded round the PCs in protest,” Ms Drummond went on.
“Further police units were called to provide immediate assistance.”
Gibson made an Irish-related slur at PC Rory Forge and as she was arrested kicked PC Forge’s hand. He went to Arbroath Infirmary to have a splint put on his thumb.
Gibson, of Stoneycroft Avenue, admitted assaulting PC Forge at the junction of Westport and Catherine Street on August 2, while on bail.
She further admitted resisting two police officers in the execution of their duties, and attempting to rescue Daniel Gibson from arrest, and also causing a breach of the peace by racially abusing a constable.
McAdam, of Great Michael Road, admitted causing a breach of the peace at the same place and date by repeatedly shouting and swearing at the officers and failing to desist when instructed.
Robertson, of Ness Drive, admitted obstructing two officers at the same place and date, opening the door of a police van and attempting to rescue McAdam from within.
Previous convictions were accepted by Gibson’s defence agent, Bob Bruce.
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio asked for criminal justice social work reports in respect of all three and sentence was deferred to November 27.