A MUM punched a police officer and was then found in possession of illegal drugs as trouble flared at a hotel.

Lucy Avilez, 38, committed three offences on Monday, February 28 this year during a trip to Carlisle.

A district judge at the city’s magistrates’ court was told both Avilez and her husband had been drinking at the Apple Tree pub on Lowther Street just before 5pm.

“During this visit they have gone outside and engaged with members of the public. Their behaviour was reported to police,” said prosecutor George Shelley.

“Two police constables have been on arrest enquiries and attended the Crown & Mitre hotel.”

Avilez’s husband was arrested for possession of illegal drugs, said the prosecutor.

He continued: “During this incident, Lucy has engaged with PC Gardner, punching him to the stomach, pushing him and trying to punch him again, causing no injury.”

Avilez was arrested for assaulting an emergency worker. It was at that point that personal use quantities of class A cocaine and class B amphetamine were found in her possession.

Avilez, of Port Street, Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Galloway, had initially pleaded not guilty to a charge of assaulting an emergency worker, and been due to stand trial.

But from the court dock today (Thursday) she changed her plea to guilty having previously admitted illegal possession of the two controlled drugs.

District Judge John Temperley heard she had three previous convictions for three offences, and had last appeared before Dumfries Sheriff Court in August, 2020, in connection with a public order matter.

“In due course, there will be an application for forfeiture and destruction of the drugs,” added Mr Shelley.

District Judge Temperley asked Avilez’s solicitor, Andrew Gurney, not to advance any mitigation at this stage.

He adjourned the hearing, requesting the preparation of a background report before the sentence is handed down.

That is due to take place on August 18, and in the meantime Avilez was granted unconditional bail. The court had earlier heard she has five young children.

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