TWO pub workers have been convicted of being drunk in charge of a child after a morning breakfast at Wetherspoons turned into a day time drinking session.

Former colleagues Derek Mafham and Lorna McFarline, both from Darlington, were sentenced to 12-month community orders when they appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe yesterday.

The court was told that both were having relationship problems and went for breakfast together to talk – but they then began drinking while a child was with them.

McFarline, 29, told probation workers she was assaulted by a woman following an argument at a pub, and ended up with two black eyes, while police were called, at about 2.30pm on Saturday, August 31.

In the resulting melee she claimed a police officer "sat on her" for at least 15 minutes.

Mahmood Awan, prosecuting, said officers were called out to the incident on Church Row.

Both defendants were detained in police vehicles and both tried to damage them, Mafham, 36, by punching the side of the vehicle, which led to him being restrained, and McFarline by kicking the windows to try to smash them. Mafham resisted police when they tried to restrain him, which resulted in him being pepper sprayed.

Meanwhile, McFarline was "verbally abusive" to an officer and said: “I feel like headbutting you.”

Mr Awan said: “She then clenched her teeth and swung her head back violently. The officer had some notice to move but her forehead did make some contact with his chin.”

The court was told by probation officers that former serviceman Mafham was alcohol dependant, which led to the break-up of his relationship with a partner, whom he was then convicted of harassing.

He was getting help for his alcohol problems and was managing to reduce his intake gradually.

McFarline, who has qualifications in child care, had escaped an abusive relationship but had to deal with the sudden death of her father some months ago.

She told probation officers that she felt police could have handled the situation better than they did but she did not remember assaulting an officer.

Mafham, of Wimbledon Close, admitted being drunk in charge of a child, resisting arrest, and attempted criminal damage and McFarline admitted being drunk in charge of a child, attempting criminal damage and assaulting an emergency worker.

Both were given 12-month community orders. McFarline was ordered to pay £20 compensation to the police officer due her her limited means, while Mafham was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £90 victim surcharge.