A former nurse has been ordered to pay compensation to a police officer she kicked in the face on Boxing Day.
Myfanwy Lewin of Mathry, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and admitted the offence had breached a conditional discharge for a previous assault when she appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday, January 15.
Prosecutor Sian Vaughan said officers attended Lewin’s house on December 26 following a report of a domestic incident, and arrested her for her own safety because of concerns about her welfare.
Lewin, 47, who was described as being intoxicated, asked to go to the toilet and struggled to pull her trousers up afterwards because of her handcuffs.
She sat on a step and caught an officer in her face as she moved her leg, causing pain, bruising and swelling as a result.
The officer stated: “I was very upset that Lewin felt the need to assault me when I was simply trying to do my job and keep her from harm.”
Mark Layton, defending, said Lewin pleaded guilty on a reckless basis, adding that she had lost her job after 30 years in the caring profession following her last court appearance.
He said: “It was Boxing Day and she had a few glasses of wine, she had a disagreement with her partner and called the police.
“Miss Lewin was saying some things which caused the police officer some concern and she was arrested and handcuffed to prevent a breach of the peace. It was a welfare issue.
“As a police officer walked past she uncrossed her legs, it unfortunately came into contact with the officer. She did not mean to kick her.
“Alcohol affected her coordination, her actions were not deliberate. She wishes to pass on her apology to the police officer.”
Mr Layton added: “This is completely out of character. Something has gone wrong recently.
“She has already been punished quite severely in that the career she treasured has been lost.”
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order with a ten-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 200 hours of unpaid work.
Lewin was ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer, plus £170 in costs and a surcharge.
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