A WOMAN could be sent to jail after she admitted shouting "bang bang" at the police officer blinded by gunman Raoul Moat.

Kelsey Donkin was showing off when she made the comment, then made a gesture as if she was holding a shotgun.

Pc David Rathband, a father-of-two, had been walking into Newcastle Crown Court to attend the trial of two of Moat's accomplices on March 2, but was so upset by the incident that he had to go home.

Newcastle Magistrates adjourned Donkin's case for reports and she will be sentenced at a later date. Chairman of the bench Brian O'Dwyer warned her that 12 weeks' custody was being considered.

He said: ''The aggravating features are there were a large number of people in the vicinity and your actions had a serious impact on a victim who was extremely vulnerable following a shooting.''

As Donkin, 22, from Southwick, Sunderland, left court, she replied when asked if she was sorry: ''I've written a letter to him. I really apologise deeply.''

Asked if she deserved jail, Pc Rathband said after the hearing: ''Yeah. It's an issue for the magistrates.

''They have guidelines to work within and I'm sure whatever decision is given will be the right one.''

Pc Rathband, who will never see again and whose face remains visibly scarred after being shot twice, added: ''It was dreadful.

''The effect she had on me was that I had to go home.

''Hopefully, she will realise one day her little joke had a devastating effect not only on me, but my wife and family.''

Donkin had denied the public order offence of causing Pc Rathband harassment or distress at a hearing earlier this year and was due to go on trial at Newcastle Magistrates' Court, but she changed her plea.

Pc Rathband attended court alongside his friend, Robin Palmer, and family liaison officer, Dc Alison Brown, who also witnessed Donkin's behaviour.

In a statement read to the court, the shot officer said: ''I felt sick at the thought of someone saying 'bang bang' behind my back.

''I still feel sick to my stomach.

''I have had to sit in court concentrating on the events that left me blind, knowing this female thinks it's funny.''

Paul Clarke, prosecuting, said Pc Rathband heard Donkin say ''bang bang'' and asked: ''Did they say what I think they said?''

At the time Donkin denied she had directed the comment at Pc Rathband.

She was arrested later inside the court building.

Judith Curry, defending, said Donkin had received threats and was now a ''figure of hate''.

The solicitor added: ''She feels absolutely dreadful about what has happened.''