A CHESTER woman who tried to bite a police officer's leg when being arrested has received an 18-month community order.

Lia Blackburn, 30, of Egerton Drive, Upton, had previously pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court to being drunk and disorderly and attacking PC Rebecca Priest.

The offences occurred at about 7.30pm on June 28.

On Thursday, August 8, magistrates ordered Blackburn to complete 200 hours unpaid work as part of the community order and pay £100 compensation to PC Priest.

Prosecuting, Rob Youds said PC Priest had been asked to attend Off The Wall that evening following reports a woman had attacked security staff there.

The staff did not wish to make a formal complaint but security staff assisted police in getting Blackburn handcuffed.

At one point, one of PC Priest's colleagues shouted to Blackburn: "Get off her, don't bite her," but Blackburn attempted to bite the officer again.

As Blackburn was put in a prison van, she said: "I have not done anything wrong, f*** off."

After the arrest, PC Priest noticed saliva marks on the side of her trousers.

In interview, Blackburn said she had had far too much to drink and accepted her behaviour was disgusting and she had been horrible to people around her.

The offence had happened during her community order imposed in August 2018, again for assaulting a police officer.

A probation report recommended a new community order be imposed.

Defending, Richard Thomas said Blackburn was very remorseful and apologetic when interviewed by police.

In her background, her ex-partner had been abusive to her and members of her family, sending abusive text messages, and she did not know how to cope.

She had also left her job and had turned to alcohol, and was drinking two bottles of wine a day on some days.

On the day of the offence she had drunk three bottles of wine and has since recognised she has a problem and was keen to work with probation services.

She had now obtained a job in retail at Cheshire Oaks.

Chair of magistrates Olga Greyling told Blackburn: "This is a serious offence which comes close to passing the custody threshold."

Blackburn's 18-month community order includes 35 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement and a six-month alcohol treatment programme.

As well as the £100 compensation, Blackburn must pay £85 court costs and a £90 victim surccharge.