A WOMAN who was foaming at the mouth spat at a police officer as she was being arrested.

Blackburn magistrates heard Vicky Archer had racially abused a takeaway worker and then turned on the police officer who attended.

Her barrage of abuse included the words Arab, Turkish and Pakistani.

Archer, 44, of Wensley Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to using racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards Madani Jan and racially aggravated assault of PC Zakarya Anwar. She was sentenced to six months in prison suspended for 12 months with 15 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 100 hours unpaid work. She was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Jan and £10 compensation to the officer.

Ceejay Kok, prosecuting, said Mr Jan was in the Darwen takeaway at 11.15pm when he saw a car outside and a number of people arguing. The defendant came into the shop and the car left.

"She immediately started to swear at him," said Miss Kok. "Two members of the public left the shop because of her behaviour."

Miss Kok said Archer continued to swear and use racist language.

"Mr Jan was offended but managed to stay calm and called the police," said Miss Kok.

When the officer arrived Archer started using racist language towards him and spat in his face. She then said "open your mouth and watch" before spitting at him again.

As she was being arrested she lashed out with her booted foot, catching the officer on the shin.

She was eventually placed in the back of the van where she started kicking the doors and increased the volume of her abuse.

"The officer was concerned about catching diseases as a result if being spat at," said Miss Kok.

"He says his fears were heightened because she was foaming at the mouth."

Peter King, defending, said his client had no recollection of the incident and had been shocked when she was confronted with what had happened when she was interviewed at the police station.

"She was overcome by feelings of regret and remorse," said Mr King.

"The last time she was in trouble she was a teenager and this is clearly an isolated incident.

"She wants through me to express her regret and apologise to the individuals concerned," said Mr King.

"She understands how they must have felt in view of the barrage of abuse she gave them."