A Dundee mother-of-three hurled a torrent of racist abuse at a child bouncing a football in the street, a court has heard.
Amanda Chivers (38), of St Peter Street, shouted further racist comments at an Irish police officer after being arrested for the incident.
Chivers admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause fear or alarm in that she shouted, swore and uttered racially offensive remarks towards a child on August 9.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard she had been drinking at the time with another woman and had moved on to steps in a shaded area. Chivers was sitting on the steps when the child in the charge and two other children bounced a football in her direction.
Depute fiscal Lisa Welsh said: “She told them to stop bouncing the ball. Words were exchanged and the accused then referred to the complainer using racially offensive terms.
“The complainer was annoyed and upset about the comments and called police. The accused was informed of the reason for their attendance and she immediately admitted calling the child racially offensive terms.
“The accused was taken to police HQ where she then shouted racist comments.”
The court heard that two police officers had gone to check on Chivers in her cell at Bell Street HQ at around 9.15pm and that she had shouted further racially offensive remarks.
Defence solicitor Anne Johnston said: “Her relationship ended in June and she struggled to cope, being diagnosed with clinical depression.
“On the day in question she had been drinking and sunbathing. The children had a ball and were kicking it at her, calling her names.”
Chivers was said to be “shaken, embarrassed and remorseful” the following day.
Ms Johnston added: “She hopes to complete a business studies degree and this appears to have been completely out of character.”
Sheriff Eric Brown fined Chivers £200, to be paid at £20 a fortnight.
He told her: “Those of us who work in these courts are all aware of the danger of excess alcohol.”