A WOMAN was so angry at being arrested for assaulting four police officers she chewed a mattress in her custody cell, a court heard.

Simonia Lovette Chambers-Shaw admitted kicking and spitting at the officers after she was removed from her own birthday party and taken to her home in Spennymoor, County Durham.

Rachael Dodsworth, prosecuting, said the jobless 27-year-old was asked to leave the party after an argument broke out.

She said Chambers-Shaw was upset her boyfriend had remained at the party at a friend’s house in Spennymoor and directed “foul and abusive language” at the police officers.

“She was shouting and swearing and it was clear she was under the influence of alcohol,” said Mrs Dodsworth.

“Her boyfriend was not at the address and she demanded he was returned to her.

“When she was told he did not want to leave the party she said she would go and get a hammer and smash the windows.”

Newton Aycliffe magistrates heard how Chambers-Shaw kicked and spat at the officers as they tried to arrest her and later damaged her mattress in the police cell by chewing it.

Chambers-Shaw, who has no previous convictions, admitted four charges of assaulting a police constable, criminal damage and making threats to destroy property.

Mike Clark, mitigating, said she was distressed at the time and had believed her friend was trying to steal her boyfriend.

He said Chambers-Shaw had chewed the mattress in anger, adding: “She accepts all that has been said and is apologetic and remorseful.”

Magistrates adjourned the case until Tuesday, June 18, for probation reports.