Woman tried to choke herself

2:50pm Saturday 17th May 2008

A woman who tried to choke herself with a necklace in the back of a police van has appeared at Skipton Magistrates Court.

Victoria Ruth Walker, of Croft Head Terrace, Glusburn, pleaded guilty to disorderly behaviour on May 6.

The court heard that Walker, 30, was approached by police officers at 2.30am on Main Street, Cross Hills, because she was standing in the middle of the road and traffic was swerving to avoid her.

Mark Haigh, prosecuting, said officers noticed Walker's eyes were glazed, her breath smelt of intoxicants and her speech was slurred. She started using abusive language towards the officers and she was arrested.

She was put in the back of the police van, where she began banging her head on the side of the van and tried to choke herself with her neck chain.

Walker's probation officer Linda Hall said her problems stemmed from alcohol.

She added that there had been serious concern about the defendant's health and well being.

"She is under considerable pressure," Mrs Hall said.

Magistrates sentenced Walker to a 12-month conditional discharge.

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