A Swindon petrol station customer lashed out at police after trying to avoid paying for a sandwich.

Cleo Best, of Mason Road, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Thursday, August 8.

The 44-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker and using threatening or abusive words likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress on April 29, 2024.

Keith Ballinger, prosecuting, said: "Police are called to Penhill Service Station on Cricklade Road. The defendant ordered a sandwich and left without paying.

"There was a struggle with staff outside. She was arrested for theft though the store did not want to take further action.

"She resisted officers and kicked one in the leg. She continued to shout and swear and was arrested for a public order offence.

"She kicked out at another male officer's leg. In interview, she says she was being held by the officer who pulled her arm, which caused he leg to make contact.

"She did not realise what she was saying, she was angry but was off her medication and having a psychotic episode."

Mark Glendenning, in mitigation added: "She felt challenged and that they were not listening to her but accepts they were doing their job."

Best must attend up to 20 rehabilitation activity days and pay a £40 fine plus £85 in court costs and £114 to fund victim services.