A WOMAN arrested for being drunk and disorderly spat in a police officer's face as she was being taken to the police station.

Blackburn magistrates heard Emily Harrop was "disgusted" by her behaviour, a view shared by the officer who said he was horrified by her "low and disgusting" behaviour.

Harrop, 29, of Top Barn Lane, Newchurch, Rossendale, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and assaulting an emergency worker.

She was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days' rehabilitation and 40 hours' unpaid work and ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer and £90 victim surcharge.

Andrew Hay, prosecuting, said Sergeant Hennighan was carrying out licensing visits with a council officer and they went into the Bees Knees in Rawtenstall at 11.40pm.

He saw Harrop arguing with another woman.

He showed her his ID but she pushed it away and said it was nothing to do with him.

"When the officer pulled out his handcuffs and went to arrest her she ran off but was subsequently arrested in another pub," said Mr Hay.

"On the way to the police station she was violent and abusive and spat in the officer's face."

Janet Sime, defending, said her client accepted it was an appalling offence.

"Spitting at someone is not pleasant and she is disgusted with herself for doing that," said Ms Sime.