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Carlisle school worker hit cabbie then spat at policeman
A 19-YEAR-OLD school worker from Carlisle faces the sack after she slapped a taxi driver in the face and spat at a policeman.
Carly Boyd, of Glaramara Drive, off Wigton Road, hit the female taxi driver after arguing with two other women who got into the cab with her on November 15, Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday.
When the taxi driver pulled over, Boyd smacked her in the face before getting out.
The police were called and Boyd, who works at a school, verbally abused a police officer and struggled when they tried to arrest her, forcing them to use an arm lock.
Lumps of cannabis resin were found on Boyd when she was taken to the police station and she drew her head back and spat at a police officer.
“He was absolutely disgusted and grabbed her, taking her to a cell,” said prosecutor Becky MacGregor.
“She continued to be violent.”
The court heard how Boyd struggled with alcohol – spending half of her £850 monthly salary on drink.
“She accepts her behaviour was completely unacceptable,” said defence solicitor Margaret Payne.
“When she has had a drink or some cannabis, she turns into a completely different person. When sober, she is very pleasant, co-operative and amenable.”
Mrs Payne said Boyd had a meeting with school staff today and “expects to be dismissed”.
She said she had been at the school – which was not named – for three-and-a-half years and really enjoyed her job.
She had been drinking on the evening the incident occurred and said the policeman had his hand on her throat and she thought she was being strangled.
“She doesn’t accept that she continued to be violent but admits spitting at the police officer,” Mrs Payne said.
She said Boyd – who admitted two charges of assault and one of possessing cannabis – had been to see her GP last year who diagnosed her with depression. She was referred to a counsellor for help with her alcohol problem and was also taking anti-depressants.
“She has shown genuine remorse and taken steps to address her behaviour,” Mrs Payne added.
District judge Gerald Chalk ordered Boyd to do 250 hours unpaid work and placed her on a 12-month community order.
She was fined £100, ordered to pay £150 compensation to the taxi driver and £100 to the police officer, and told to pay £60 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
“Taxi drivers are providing a public service and do not need to be abused by drunken louts as you behaved,” he said.
“The police officer [you spat at] would have been concerned that you were a drug user and about possible consequences. If you come before me again for any violent behaviour, you will be sent to prison.”
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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin
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