Policewoman assaulted by mum on cannabis at children's centre

Blackburn magistrates heard the woman admitted she had been smoking cannabis before going to the centre to discuss the care of her child.

And the court was told the officer was still receiving treatment for her injury seven months after the incident.

Soraya Hawkes, 24, of Wentcliffe Drive, Earby, pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Heather McConnell causing her actual bodily harm and criminal damage to a window at the Silver Birches Family Centre.

She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 24 days rehabilitation activity requirement, ordered to pay £200 compensation to the officer and £50 to the family centre.

Alex Mann, prosecuting, said a social worker talking to Hawkes could smell cannabis and saw that her pupils were enlarged. The worker said the visit could not continue and Hawkes became upset and started swearing. She then punched an internal window causing it to smash.

Hawkes was arrested for criminal damage and led out of the centre in handcuffs. She complained they were too tight and during a brief struggle the officer's thump was dislocated.

"There is no suggestion this was a deliberate act but the result was quite severe from the officer's point of view," said Mrs Mann.

In the seven months since the incident she had x-rays, ultra scans, specialist physiotherapy and steroid injections but was still experiencing pain. She was off work for two months and then returned not on active duties.

"Over seven months later she is still experiencing pain," said Mrs Mann.

Mark Williams, defending, said his client had no previous convictions.

"This was very much an isolated incident and one she never intended to happen," said Mr Williams.

He said as she was being led to the police vehicle the handcuffs were hurting.

"She accepts she pulled away from the officer and that has resulted in contact," said Mr Williams. "Ninety nine times out of a hundred the incident would not have resulted in any injury."