A DRUNKEN woman who threatened police and other passers-by with a machete was only stopped by the use of incapacitating spray.

Clare Elizabeth Watson came to police attention following the theft of a bottle of sparkling wine from the chilled drinks cabinet at Villa Real Service Station, Consett, shortly before 9pm, on November 8.

Durham Crown Court heard she was pursued by an assistant, but became abusive and swore at him.

Chris Baker, prosecuting, said almost an hour later a community support officer called for help in the town’s Front Street where Watson was holding a 10in-bladed machete above her head, shouting: “Come on you f***ers, come on the police”, in his direction.

She hit a bus stand with the machete and, when she began to threaten a passing motorist, the police sergeant discharged his incapacitant spray, with immediate effect.

As Watson put her hands to her face, the sergeant grabbed the machete and took hold of her, pulling her to the kerb.

Mr Baker said she was held until other officers arrived to complete her arrest and take her into custody.

“She was clearly extremely intoxicated at the time and could only be interviewed later.

“She accepted she had been very drunk, but had little recollection of the incident in the street.

“When she was shown the knife, she said it belonged to a friend who had used it cutting wood.”

Watson, 35, of Derby Crescent, Moorside, Consett, admitted possessing an offensive weapon in public and theft of the sparkling wine.

The court was told she has not appeared in court since 2002, but has since been issued with a series of cautions over allegations of low level violence and disorder.

Joe Hedworth, mitigating, told the court that leading up to the offences on November 8, she drank excessively and now wished to apologise to all concerned for her actions.

Mr Hedworth said Watson has had a “difficult life”, enduring family and personal tragedies, which have been “the catalyst” for her bouts of heavy drinking.

But he added that she has sought help to tackle her drink problem, and has followed, “a strict regime, but with occasional lapses.”

Judge Robert Adams said Watson appears to have led a “chaotic lifestyle” and needs to work hard to overcome her alcoholism, to prevent the potential for reoffending.

He imposed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, during which Watson must undergo probation supervision, to include a nine-month alcohol treatment programme.