A suicidal woman pulled a knife on a police officer who was trying to help her.
19-year-old Kiera Price pleaded guilty to the common assault of an emergency worker at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning (27 April).
PC Morgan Kelly was left “scared” when the defendant, of no fixed abode, held a blade towards him at an address in Burbage Road, Penhill, shortly after 2am on 18 March this year.
The officer, and a colleague, were called to the property over concerns for Price’s welfare but she refused to engage with mental health services.
PC Kelly was talking to the defendant in the garden when she started pushing tablets out of a blister pack before putting some of them in her mouth.
The officer took hold of Price and asked to her spit them out, and moments later she pulled a knife on him – leaving him fearing for his safety, prosecutor Kate Prince said.
In custody, she told officers she had taken codeine and paracetamol.
Representing herself in court, Price said she “gave up” on accessing mental health services because she feels that she does not receive the support she requires.
Probation officer Clare Hyde said she would provide the defendant with information about The Nelson’s Trust, but Price rejected her help – claiming she knows about them and is “not interested”.
Magistrates imposed a £140 fine, £85 costs and a £34 surcharge for the common assault, and in response, the defendant said: “I can’t pay that, I’ve got debts to pay, I’ve got £600 debts [on credit cards].”
The chair of the bench Deborah Couzens replied: “I suggest you get your priorities in order”, adding that credit card debt cannot see you sent to prison, but court fines can.
