A WORCESTER woman will now face a trial for alledging spitting at a police officer in March after being refused entry into the courtroom by magistrates. 

Rowena Thorneycroft, of Barbourne Road, Worcester, had been set to face trial for assault by beating of an emergency worker at 2pm on Friday afternoon (January 6). 

But at the start of the hearing, the 55-year-old's solicitor Sarj Lalli said Thorneycroft had turned up at 3pm not knowing what the time was. 

"I have never seen her like this," the solicitor said, adding he had concerns about her mental state to be able to follow court proceedings during a trial. 

Worcester News: TRIAL: Rowena Thorneycroft will now face a trial in MarchTRIAL: Rowena Thorneycroft will now face a trial in March (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

Chairman of the magistrates bench, Susan Mitchell, said that due to Thorneycroft's mental state, and that she was not fit to stand trial, they would not allow her to enter the courtroom.

The chairman added they would grant an adjournment of the case. 

Thorneycroft is now set to face trial on March 10, Thorneycroft being given unconditional bail.

Appearing for the prosecution during the hearing was Sarah Hurd.

In the charge the prosecution alleges Thorneycroft assaulted police officer Edward Bishop by spitting at him in Worcester on October 3 last year. 

Thorneycroft originally denied the charge on October 13.