Problems associated with Britain”s binge drinking culture were brought sharply into focus as a court heard how a Perth mum found in a pool of her own vomit became so violent to police she had to be handcuffed, then fitted with leg restraints.
Only then could apoplectic Janna Rennie be placed in the back of a patrol car.
Police had offered to help the 27-year-old get home when she lashed out.
Rennie told Perth Sheriff Court she had only become angry as she was keen to get home for her daughter and could not understand why she was being arrested.
The accused, of Pomarium Street, Perth, admitted that she conducted herself in a disorderly manner, shouting, swearing and committing a breach of the peace at Hospital Street on April 16.
Rennie further pleaded guilty to obstructing and molesting two police constables, lashing out with her arms and legs, refusing to walk, refusing to enter a police vehicle, and resisting arrest.
Depute fiscal Katie Pacholek gave details of the offences.
“At about 10 minutes past midnight the police communications centre received a call from a member of the public who stated that a female was lying on the ground at the locus,” she told the court.
“Two police officers attended and found the accused sitting on the ground in a pool of vomit.
“She was spoken to and attempts were made to find out where she lived so she could be taken home.
“However, she was extremely intoxicated and could not tell the officers.”
Ms Pacholek said Rennie did not take kindly to the questioning by police constables.
“The officers said they needed to know where she lived so that they could help her but she became aggressive and began to shout and swear at them,” the depute fiscal added.TiradeRennie continued with her tirade for over 20 minutes, leaving officers with no option but to arrest her for a breach of the peace.
However, the situation then deteriorated further.
“The officers took hold of her and she began to lash out with her arms and legs,” Ms Pacholek said.
“She continued to shout and swear and refused to walk.
“The accused then had to be taken down to the ground by police officers so they could attempt to put her in handcuffs.
“The officers had to use leg restraints to control her as she continued to lash out.”
The police eventually managed to get Rennie into the police car and she was then taken to police HQ before being released “when in a fit state.”EmbarrassedIn a letter sent to the court, Rennie said, “The reason for me shouting was because all of a sudden I was being arrested and just wanted to go home for my daughter in the morning.
“I am fully aware that in being intoxicated and shouting and being distressed my behaviour was unacceptable.
“I apologise and I feel terribly embarrassed.”
Sheriff Robert McCreadie said that, given the serious nature of the offences, a personal appearance was required prior to sentencing.
“I was going to impose a fine but given the nature of the tirade of abuse and the struggle with police I do not think that is appropriate at this stage,” he added.
“I think that this lady should be in court.”
Sentence was deferred until July 28.