Pop fan Jane Williams escaped a prison sentence after she admitted assaulting a police officer at last year's V Festival in Chelmsford.

The 32-year-old mum hit a female officer after she was arrested for being drunk and disorderly at the Hylands Park concert.

Chelmsford magistrates heard she was abusive and unsteady on her feet as she left the festival.

She told police she was 'merry' but claimed two female officers had been 'winding her up', said Lorraine Webb, prosecuting.

Williams, of Shop Cottages, Mashbury, Chelmsford, admitted she was an alcoholic but had not had a drink since her arrest on August 22.

Philip Witherspoon, mitigating, said a prison sentence would have a 'catastrophic' effect on her boyfriend and 19-month-old son. "Her fiance would have to give up work to look after the child," he said.

Williams, who had no previous convictions, admitted assaulting a police officer and being drunk and disorderly.

She was sentenced to 80 hours community punishment and ordered to pay £100 compensation, with £55 costs.

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Published Thursday, February 17, 2005

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