Drunk Newbury woman who has to pay £250 for screaming abuse at police is told "that was an expensive drink"

A DRUNK Newbury woman who had to pay the courts £250 for screaming abuse at police in front of shocked onlookers in Northbrook Street was told by magistrates: “That was an expensive drink.”

Louise Attrill, prosecuting, said that police were conducting their usual patrol of the town centre when they noticed 44-year-old Willimina Noble in “some kind of altercation”.

The court heard that Ms Noble, of Bronte Rise, then became abusive, shouting and swearing at officers in the street and refusing to give them her details when requested.

Ms Attrill added: “The defendant was drunk so they arrested her. She was not interviewed about the night due to the nature of the incident.”

The court heard that Ms Noble, representing herself, has previous convictions.

In a statement from Ms Noble, read to the court, she said: “I did not intentionally get drunk. I met a friend in the town centre.

“It was my friend’s birthday so we decided to go for a drink to celebrate.

“I was going to get a takeaway and go home.

“I completely forgot I had taken painkillers prescribed by Royal Berkshire Hospital for a hysterectomy.

“That may have affected my tolerance.

“I have been working on not getting into this kind of situation and better myself.

“I do apologise as I am deeply embarrassed and ashamed of my actions.”

The court heard that up until recently Ms Noble worked as an online shopper for Sainsbury’s and was due to start employment at a new pub opening in Newbury.

Ms Noble admitted to being drunk and disorderly in a public place on August 1.

For the offence of being drunk and disorderly, magistrates made her subject to a 12-month conditional discharge.

She was also made to pay a criminal charge of £150, prosecution costs of £85 and a statutory surcharge of £15 – taking the total to £250.

As Ms Noble left the court, magistrate Doug Porter told her: “That was an expensive drink.”