A MOTHER-OF-TWO who used her handbag to attack a police officer during a boozy night out was spared jail yesterday.

Toni Robson, 23, caused a laceration to the back of PC Darrin Taylor's head which needed hospital treatment and staples.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how Robson lashed out as PC Taylor and his colleague tried to arrest her husband and a pal for being drunk and disorderly in Front Street, Concorde, Washington, Wearside, on January 8.

The trouble started when one of the men made rude gestures at the officers as they passed their patrol vehicle in a taxi.

Bob Spragg, prosecuting, told the court: "The defendant came up behind PC Taylor who was struggling to arrest Mr Robson and struck him with her handbag on the back of his head."

Robson, of Langdale, Albany, Washington, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm on the basis the single blow with the bag had been a reckless act and she had not intended to hurt the officer.

Defence barrister Peter Shofield said Robson had two children aged six and three, who suffer from muscular dystrophy.

Mr Recorder Morris said Robson's children would suffer more than her if she was sent to jail.

Robson was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order.