A young woman has been found guilty of threatening to burn down a police officer's home after breaking a window at the station where he worked.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that Susan Kelly, 21, threatened to find out where the arresting officer lived, then stab him and burn down his home.

Kelly, of Tweed Street, Hebburn, admitted breaking a window at the station after hurling abuse after officers. She was charged with criminal damage and admitted the offence.

Christopher Roy-Toole, prosecuting, said: "Outside she gave officers a mouthful of cheek, she was taken inside and charged with criminal damage.

"A police constable, Kevin Graham, who was dealing with her when she had been charged, was taking her outside when she became agitated, obstructive and aggressive. She resisted the officer, struggled with him and had to be handcuffed by him."

She was taken to South Shields police station but while in custody she complained of a sore arm and was taken to South Tyneside District General Hospital to be examined. At the hospital her temper flared again and she made threats towards the officer.

Mr Roy-Toole said: "Without prompting, entirely voluntarily, she started shouting 'I had better get out today because I've got to get PC Graham. I will find out where he lives and I will burn it down, I am going to stab him."

Kelly denied threatening to destroy or damage property but was found guilty yesterday. A verdict of not guilty was entered on another charge of affray and sentence was adjourned until September 22.