A PERSISTENT nuisance offender who spat and scratched police officers will now have the chance to rehabilitate herself with the help of professionals. 

Rowena Thorneycroft, a familiar face in the courts, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Courts to be sentenced for three assaults by beating of police officers and two drunk and disorderly matters. 

Colin Phillips, prosecuting, outlined the crimes the 55-year-old, of Barbourne Road, Worcester committed between March and October last year. 

Worcester News: COURT: Rowena Thorneycroft appeared at Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Rowena Thorneycroft appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

The court heard:

 

  • In March Thorneycroft abused officers at Worcester Police Station. She then tried to spit at PC Williams before grabbing and pulling her face - the officer suffering a cut lip. 
  • In July police were called to Jobtogs in The Tything causing a nuisance. Mr Phillips said Thorneycroft became "irate" before scratching PC Gummery. 
  • In September Thorneycroft had been by the River Severn in Hylton Road with another person. The prosecutor said while paramedics were trying to treat the man, Thorneycroft tried to interfere and kick officers. 
  • In October police were called to the communal area of flats in Sansome Place where the defendant refused to leave. Mr Phillips said as police tried to remove her she used her weight to resist before spitting at PC Edward Bishop - the spit going on his clothes and some of his face. 

Mr Phillips said in the spitting incidents police had been forced to put a spit guard mask on the defendant to protect themselves. 

Sarj Lalli, defending, explained that Thorneycroft's offending was linked to her drink problem. 

Worcester News: COURT: Rowena Thorneycroft was sentenced by Worcester magistratesCOURT: Rowena Thorneycroft was sentenced by Worcester magistrates

He said during the pandemic Thorneycroft had lived in accommodation where she was the only woman, turning to drink as she felt secluded.

Mr Lalli said Thorneycroft was being offered the chance to go to Willowdene, which offers interventions to help offenders. 

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"In the past, when she is offered help Miss Thorneycroft grasps it with both hands," the solicitor added. 

After magistrates deliberations, Jayne Burton, chairman of the magistrates bench said they were giving Thorneycroft an 18-month community order. 

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The chairman explained that attached to the order would be an alcohol treatment requirement and 80 rehabilitation activity requirement days. 

Thorneycroft was ordered to pay compensation of £100 to PC Williams, £50 to PC Gummery and £50 to PC Bishop. 

The defendant was told the £300 total would be added to the amount she already owes the courts, being deducted from her benefits. 

The chairman wished Thorneycroft "good luck" as the defendant left the courtroom at the end of the hearing on Friday, (March 10).