A WOMAN reacted violently because she was distressed at seeing her husband being taken away by police at the Carlisle hotel where they were guests.

Lucy Avilez, 38, attempted to intervene, punching an officer to the stomach and then attempting to punch him a second time, the city’s Rickergate court heard. She was arrested for assault and found to be carrying drugs.

The defendant, of Port Street, Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, admitted police assault and possessing cocaine and amphetamine.

The offending happened on July 28 after the couple had earlier been involved in an “incident” outside Carlisle’s Apple Tree pub in Lowther Street. It was to investigate this that the couple were tracked down to The Crown and Mitre pub where they were staying, said prosecutor George Shelley.

The assaulted officer was not injured, he added.

Andrew Gurney, defending, said Avilez became distressed when the officers arrived at the couple’s hotel bedroom and she saw her husband being taken away. She assaulted the officer during some “pushing and shoving.” 

Having experienced a trauma earlier in life, Avilez had faced mental health issues which hopefully can be addressed, said Mr Gurney. Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with 15 rehabilitation activity days. 

She was also fined £200, with £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge. The assault was admitted shortly before Avilez was due to go on trial