Thurso woman takes the biscuit – then throws it at cop
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A kindly police officer responded to drunken Carol Cowie's request for tea and biscuits after she was arrested.
But she threw the biscuits at him, Wick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday.
Cowie (55) admitted the assault, abusive behaviour and a previous record of offending and was ordered to carry out unpaid work.
David Barclay outlined the events that led up to Cowie's arrest at her home in Bayview Terrace, Thurso, on July 4.
Police officers attended at the accused's home in response to a 999 emergency phone call from her in which she claimed she was self-harming but they found no evidence of that.
Cowie was "clearly under the influence of alcohol" and a bottle of vodka was observed on the floor.
The officers advised the accused about the proper use of the emergency service and her hitherto "good humour" changed.
Mr Barclay continued: "She shouted and swore at them and told them to 'f*** off' and began singing a sectarian song. The police realised that Cowie's behaviour was likely to escalate and arrested her."
On arrival at Wick Police Station, Cowie indicated she would like a cup of tea and biscuits but threw the biscuits at the sergeant in "a drink-induced action".
Mr Barclay said that such behaviour tended to occur when the accused consumed alcohol but on occasions when she came to court she was "sober and perfectly sensible".
Fiona MacDonald said that Cowie was engaging well with unpaid work imposed previously on a separate offence, apart from a single blip.
The solicitor asked Sheriff Neil Wilson to follow the recommendation in a background report to help the accused in "her battle with alcohol".
The sheriff commented on Cowie's "longstanding addiction" over the years but commended her for her progress in the unpaid work she was currently carrying out and her engagement with social workers and other agencies.
Sheriff Wilson imposed a further period of unpaid work, 100 hours, to be completed within nine months.
