A FORMER nurse assaulted a police officer and was found to have cannabis in her bra.

Dawn Purdy, 40, was in a verbal altercation with two other women in the early hours of July 29, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Graham Tindall, prosecuting, said police attended the incident and an officer had tried to calm the situation down.

Purdy began “swinging her arms aimlessly” and clipped the officer’s chin with the back of her palm.

When searched by police, the defendant was found to be in possession of cannabis.

Purdy, of Halloways Grove, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to assault by beating of an emergency worker and possession of a Class B drug.

Mike Woolaghan, defending, said: “The incident is very short-lived. It seems to be reckless rather than intentional.

“The officer approaches the defendant and puts hands on her shoulders. That’s what prompts the response.

“She was the victim of domestic violence in an unprovoked attack in her own property while she slept.

“She is diagnosed with multiple personality disorder and doesn’t like people touching her.

“She accepts waving her arms around. There’s no indication that the officer received any injuries.

“There was a small amount of cannabis tucked inside her bra.

“She was working as an emergency worker. She was employed as a nurse in palliative care for people with cancer.”

Purdy was fined £140 and must pay £85 costs and a £56 victim surcharge. An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis.