A WOMAN who racially abused a female police officer and said her brother had ‘just blown himself up in Manchester’ has been jailed.

Burnley Crown Court heard how police had been to Nelson following reports that Rochelle Jane Roberts had attacked Amy Louise Cowburn, kicking and stamping on her while she was on the ground.

But when 28-year-old Roberts was approached by PC Vanessa Fowler she said: “Don’t come near me. You are Pakistani. Your brother has just blown himself up in Manchester.”

Roberts, of Canal Mews, Nelson, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and one count of racially-aggravated disorderly behaviour.

The court heard that PC Fowler had been 'personally affected' by the Manchester Arena bombing, four days earlier.

She added that she took 'personal exception' to Roberts' abuse.

Judge Jonathan Gibson jailed Roberts, who has 32 convictions for 65 offences, for 16 months for the assault.

She was also given a two-year conditional discharge for the racially-aggravated disorderly behaviour

Prosecuting the case, Elizabeth Evans, said the incident had all started in the early hours of May 26 when Ms Cowburn went to her friend’s house in Larch Street, Nelson.

Ms Cowburn saw Roberts and a second woman Kelly Barton in the kitchen of the property and an argument took place through the window.

Ms Evans said Ms Cowburn described Roberts throwing mugs and plates at her, before coming out of the house and pinning her against a wall by her neck.

Roberts then said to Ms Cowburn: “you’re going to get it”, before kneeing her to the head.

Ms Cowburn was then taken around the corner where she was kneed to the ground and kneed to the head. While she was on the floor Roberts stamped on Ms Cowburn’s head and body.

The victim told police she remembered being kneed to the ground and kneed to the head but can then only recall waking up when an ambulance arrived.

She was taken to hospital for treatment. Her injuries included bruising to her back, legs and arms, a black eye, a stamp mark on the right side of her face and neck, a snapped tooth, and a bite mark on her back. She also had clumps of hair missing.

In a victim personal statement, Ms Cowburn said she had been worrying about the court case and its repercussions.

Reading her own victim personal statement PC Fowler said: “I was personally upset by what had happened in Manchester and take personal exception to the comments made towards me.

“As a police officer I don’t expect to be abused in this manner when I am here to help people and enforce the law.”

Defending, James Heyworth said his client had made positive changes in her life since being remanded in custody for the offences, including reconciling with her family and ending her relationship with Ms Barton.

Mr Heyworth said: “Over the last six months Ms Roberts has had much time to reflect on what has happened, in terms and the Amy Cowburn incident and what the future holds for her. She accepts responsibility for her behaviour and had demonstrated some remorse for the injuries caused to Ms Cowburn.”

Judge Gibson also imposed a restraining order banning Roberts from contacting Ms Cowburn directly or indirectly and from entering any property she believes the victim may be living in or visiting.

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