A 61-YEAR-OLD woman who refused to take a drink-drive test and assaulted police officers has been given a community order. 

Gillian Huntley, of Anglia Crescent, Kempsey, near Worcester, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday (February 15). 

The court heard police were called by a concerned member of the public as Huntley had been drinking in a pub and intended to drive home on November 22 last year.

Police attended her home address and during her arrest turned and made a motion to bite PC Harrison's hand, Lauren Milichip, prosecuting, said. 

Worcester News: COURT: Gillian Huntley outside Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Gillian Huntley outside Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

While being put into a van Huntley was shouting and swearing in view of neighbours and despite being told to stop, she continued to do so. 

She then kicked the same officer, the prosecutor said. 

Then, when officers were going through the drink drive procedure, she refused and kicked PC Langley-Waylen and PC Harrison again.

Miss Milichip went through the defendant's previous convictions which included common assault and assault of emergency workers. 

Huntley, who admitted three charges of assault by beating of an emergency worker, common assault of an emergency worker and failing to provide a specimen for analysis, was represented by Nick Roberts. 

Worcester News: COURT: Huntley appeared at Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Huntley appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

He told the court the defendant had stayed out of trouble for a long period but, after the death of a relative, had begun drinking excessively.

"She didn't seek counselling, she was consumed with grief," Mr Roberts said. 

He told the court it didn't excuse her actions but was an explanation as to why she had offended. 

He added Huntley had been remorseful in interview and had not drunk alcohol since the crime. 

Roger Phillips, chairman of the magistrates bench, said in deliberations they had considered custody but ultimately decided to follow recommendations from the probation service. 

Huntley was given a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and to wear an alcohol abstention tag for 90 days. 

Huntley was banned from driving for 29 months but was given the chance to do the drink-drive awareness course which, if successfully completed, will reduce the ban length. 

The defendant was ordered to pay £150 compensation, split between the officers, costs of £90 and victim surcharge of £114.

Huntley was given 28 days to pay the £354 total.