FOUR police officers bore the brunt of a Truro woman's anger at being caught shoplifting in British Home Stores in the city.
She kicked out and swore at them after staff in the store had reported seeing her picking out goods and then leaving without paying for them.
At Truro Magistrates' Court Tracy Marie Starling, 33, of Pendeen Road, Truro, pleaded guilty to assaulting PC Stevenson and PCSO Emily Distin, resisting PC Pearce and PC Andy Filkin, using threatening behaviour and shoplifting.
Alison May, for the prosecution, said staff had recognised Starling and seen her stealing. She was with another female, and they were spoken to by a member of staff.
Starling told her companion: "Don't worry; if she touches you I'll headbutt the bi**h." She was referring to one of the assistants, who was upset by her words.
The couple were spoken to shortly after by PCSO Distin. When she approached them, Starling rushed towards her with her fist clenched and struck her in the head and chest about five times.
When other officers arrived Starling kicked out, at one stage ripping an officer's tactical vest and pulling off his radio. Leg restraints and handcuffs had to be used on her before she could be taken away.
Starling had previous convictions for resisting police and shoplifting.
Her solicitor, Deborah Von Kohler, admitted her client's behaviour had been appalling and her language pretty foul.
"She has huge matters – complexities – in her life," she told the magistrates, asking for a probation report.
The magistrates adjourned the case until December 10, pending a probation report and an alcohol treatment requirement assessment.
