A DRUNKEN woman who assaulted two police officers at a young offenders’ institution lost her temper when her friend was compared to Dolly Parton, a court heard.

Gillian Graham bit one police officer on the arm and kicked another in the shin as they tried to remove her from the visitor centre at Deerbolt Young Offenders’ Institution in Barnard Castle in County Durham on July 13.

Blair Martin, prosecuting at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Wednesday, August 7), said officers had found Graham lying on the floor, “shouting and screaming” when they responded to reports of a woman causing a disturbance.

He said Graham’s actions had caused pain to the officers but no lasting injuries, adding: “She continued to shout and swear and be aggressive towards officers on the ride to the police station.”

The court heard how the 45-year-old and a female friend had been attempting to visit a prisoner but an altercation occurred between the pair and a prison officer over visiting times.

Both women had been drinking vodka and coke on their way to Deerbolt.

Joanne Miller, mitigating, said Graham lost her tempter after the prison officer made a derogatory comparison between her friend and the American country music star Dolly Parton.

“It would appear one of the prison officers made an inappropriate remark about the lady who was with my client being similar to Dolly Parton and my client took offence at this,” she said.

“Things escalated from there and were not helped by the fact Ms Graham had consumed alcohol.”

Graham, of Elmdale Road, Consett, pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly in a public place and two charges of assaulting a police officer.

Miss Miller said Graham, who has never been before a court before, was going through a difficult time, having recently lost her job.

“My client is mortified about this situation and the fact she has ended up in court,” she said. “She is extremely sorry. Emotions were running high when the police officers arrived.”

Graham received a 12-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £50 compensation to each police officer and £85 prosecution costs.