A WOMAN described as a “demon” when drunk turned up at a Darwen nursing home in the early hours of the morning and refused to leave.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jessica Horne’s brother was a resident in the home and she had gone there to “protect” him.

When she was removed by police she became abusive and spat at a police officer.

The court was told it was the fourth time Horne had assaulted a police officer in the last 20 months.

Horne, 28, of Burnley Road, Briercliffe, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in Birchall Avenue and assaulting a police officer. She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 100 hours’ unpaid work and ordered to pay £100 compensation, £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police were called to the Birch Hall nursing home at 4am after Horne arrived drunk and refused to leave.

Officers escorted her outside where she became abusive and was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.

“She continued to be abusive and at the police station spat at the custody sergeant,” said Mr Robinson.

Janet Sime, defending, said Horne had only become involved with the criminal justice system because she had been the victim of horrendous domestic abuse.

“Since that ended she has struggled to cope whenever she has had drink,” said Miss Sime.

“When she has had drink she is always aggressive and abusive.”

Miss Sime said Horne had a big setback in her life when her brother fell downstairs and ended up in full-time care.

“The place where she was arrested is where her brother is living,” said Miss Sime.

“He has been the victim of an incident and she took it upon herself, in drink, to go and sit with him overnight and protect him.”

Miss Sime said that when sober her client was the politest person you could meet.

“In drink she turns into a demon,” she added.

Passing sentence the chairman of the magistrates said spitting at the custody sergeant had been disgusting.

“The place of the original offence is also of concern,” he said.