A WOMAN assaulted a police officer who told her she couldn’t kiss her boyfriend goodbye as he was being arrested.

Gemma Barnes’ partner was being arrested in Whitehaven in the early hours of February 4, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Pamela Fee said police officers were in the process of dealing with him when Barnes, 40, became upset and pushed past the officers, insisting on kissing him goodbye.

She told police they would have to arrest her and pushed one of the officers to the chest. A struggle ensued and police had to use incapacitant spray on Barnes. She was then arrested.

Barnes was interviewed by police but remained silent throughout.

Mike Woolaghan, defending, said: “As far as the incident is concerned, it was relatively brief but nevertheless unpleasant.

“Since the incident she has had a diagnosis of PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder].

“Her demeanour on the night is out of character. She has been triggered by her partner being arrested.

“She is now working with community-based agencies to address the PTSD. She has not troubled the court since 2013.

“There are no injuries sustained. The distress caused from a push is relatively minimal.”

Barnes, of Foxhouses Road, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to assault by beating of an emergency worker.

She was fined £140 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £56 victim surcharge.