A WOMAN arrested after causing late-night trouble in a pub kicked a police officer in the groin and had two knives in her handbag.

Burnley magistrates heard how Susan Carter, 36, had been abusive and was shouting and swearing after officers were called to a report of a smashed window at The Derby Arms, Colne, last December.

Carter, said by her solicitor to have a "raft of personal problems", admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, police assault, and two allegations of possessing an article with a sharply-pointed blade.

As she was about to be sentenced, Carter announced to the bench: "I stabbed my boyfriend last week."

Carter, of Tunstill Street, Burnley, was given 12 months supervision, with a 12-month mental health requirement, and was told to pay £50 costs and £100 compensation.

The bench told her she could have caused serious harm.

Andrew Robinson, prosecuting, said Carter's partner was said to be responsible for breaking the window, but she claimed she had done it.

She was abusive to police and continued shouting and swearing. Carter then lunged towards an officer and, as he pinned her against a desk to handcuff her, the defendant kicked him in the groin, leaving his thigh painful and with a three-inch bruise.

Mr Robinson said Carter's handbag was searched and police found a stainless steel knife with a two-and-a-half inch blade, and a stanley knife with a retractable blade.

Dylan Bradshaw, defending, said Carter needed the court's compassion and sympathy.