Drunken woman hurled abuse at police officer

Burnley magistrates were told how when an officer attended reports of a disturbance in Parkinson Street in the town at 3-45pm, a lot of people were there.

His attention was immediately drawn to Laura Jane Roscoe (37) who he described as staggering all over the pavement, shouting at the top of her voice and slurring her words. She smelled strongly of drink.

Roscoe, who has 65 offences on her record, was, said the prosecution, told to leave the area, appeared to do so, but returned minutes later as the officer made inquiries over the incident.

She then directed her abuse towards the officer. The defendant was arrested and because she was so “heavily under the influence”, she was handcuffed due to her unpredictable behaviour.

The hearing was told Roscoe claimed she wanted to stay to look after her partner who was “intoxicated” and not being herself.

The defendant, of Kyan Street, Burnley, admitted being drunk and disorderly on Parliament Street on February 18th. She was given a six- month conditional discharge and must pay a £20 victim surcharge.

Miss Catherine Fell, defending, said Roscoe had gone to a house on Parliament Street and had seen her partner of eight years.

“She was intoxicated and Laura was so concerned about her she wanted to stay and look after her. When the police attended, they saw Laura, who accepts she had had a number of drinks and asked her to leave the area.”