A DRUNKEN woman has been fined after she assaulted a police officer as she struggled to avoid being arrested.

Claire Kostarelo (CORR) pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and assault on a constable on March 30 when she appeared before Teesside Magistrates court today (Monday).

The 37-year-old of Staintondale Avenue, Redcar, was seen arguing with door staff outside a pub on Redcar High Street when she was told to calm down by officers.

The court heard how she continued to be abusive and was arrested but hit an offi cer in the face as she tried to avoid being put in the rear of a police.

In mitigation Paul Watson said: “She is extremely ashamed of what happened that night. I ask you to accept this is very much an isolated incident as she has no previous convictions.

“She has no real memory of the incident but accepts that what the officers said is what happened and is, as I said, ashamed of her actions.”

Kostarelo was fined £180 and ordered to pay £80 towards costs and a £20 victim surcharge.