MAGISTRATES have adjourned the sentencing a Maryport woman who has been convicted of assaulting a police officer – by deliberately urinating on his leg.

Jacqueline James, 47, who denied the offence and intends to appeal against her conviction at Carlisle Crown Court, was convicted in her absence after she failed to attend her trial at Workington’s Magistrates’ Court.

She was brought to court in custody for sentencing.

Prosecutor George Shelley said the offence was committed in Maryport on September 4 last year, when police became involved because she appeared to be acting “strangely.”

She was found in the street, appearing to be intoxicated, said the prosecutor.

“She was arrested and during the arrest she appeared to intentionally urinate on the left leg of the police constable,” said Mr Shelley.

“It caused no physical injury but she was further arrested for assaulting an emergency worker.”

The defendant had a previous assault of an emergency worker on her record as well as failing to provide a breath specimen for analysis.

Duncan Campbell, defending, confirmed the defendant’s intention to appeal against the conviction or the September 4 offence. She would also argue that she had a medical reason for not attending her trial.

He said that sentencing should take place after a background report has been prepared.

A probation officer who interviewed James said she had “a lot of issues”, including fibromyalgia, which would prevent her from doing unpaid work.  “She uses alcohol to manage pain,” said the officer “and clearly it is a factor in the offence.”

The defendant, of Brooklands Avenue, Maryport, was granted bail and the case was adjourned for a week.