Teen waved knife in police officer's face
A TEENAGER who threatened police with a knife has been spared jail after a judge challenged the serial offender to turn her life around.
Lucy Baggaley, aged 18, of Tenby Grove, Chesterton, who has 33 previous convictions, was arrested for assaulting an officer and brandishing a craft knife during a drunken row.
But Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that Baggaley was diagnosed autistic spectrum disorder three years ago and has yet to receive specialist help for the condition.
Now Baggaley is set to attend Strathmore College – which caters for young adults with learning difficulties and disabilities – after being given a chance to put her past behind her.
8kg 1400 spin A+++ rated washer
with a full 6 year warranty - yes SIX years
delivered FAST & FREE
was OVER £600 - For a limited time ONLY £449.90
Amazing value!!!
Terms:
8kg 1400 spin A+++ rated washer
with a full 6 year warranty - yes SIX years
delivered FAST & FREE
was OVER £600 - For a limited time ONLY £449.90
Amazing value!!!
Contact: 01782 342609
Valid until: Saturday, June 01 2013
She was charged with assault, possessing and offensive weapon and using threatening behaviour following an incident outside Newcastle Police Station on September 2 at 2am.
Officers spotted her with an open bottle of alcohol and an altercation ensued after Baggaley refused to hand it over.
Fiona Cortese, prosecuting, said: "They tried to take it from her and she pushed a special constable back. When they tipped the drink away she swore at them.
"She then produced a craft knife and pointed it at the officers and said she wanted the alcohol back.
"During an interview she said she had been drinking since 6.30pm and had five bottles of lager and couldn't recall the incident but denied using a knife."
The court heard that Baggaley began offending in 2008.
Previous incidents had included punching a custody detention officer, public order offences, theft, and attempting to set fire to a traffic cone.
Defending, Robin Lichfield said: "She was diagnosed at 15 and even from then she has not received any specific help for her disorder.
"She certainly has a problem not diagnosed until her late teenage years.
During the court hearing Judge Granville Styler called Baggaley's mother into the witness box to discuss the teenager's difficulties.
She told the judge her daughter needed professional help and the family would remain strong to support the teenager. It was also revealed funding had been secured to send Baggaley to Strathmore.
Prior to her appearance in court the defendant had spent 24 days behind bars following the incident in Newcastle.
Judge Styler deferred sentence for three months and told Baggaley: "I am going to give you a chance.
"But people who threaten the police with knives have to be locked up, we just can't have that.
"If you don't comply with this course I am going to have to lock you up. I think you desperately need help.
"You have a solid family to help and you can thank your mum for the fact I am letting you go. I want to see some progress to change and I don't want you to re-offend. Don't let me down."
Comments
by warren-lloyd
Tuesday, October 23 2012, 4:20AM
“Why has it taken his to get her help, disgusting really. The drinking would not help, and at just 18, with a problem like that, I'm sorry, she's being let down by her parents as well as the state. Its not as if she's not done anything before.”
by yamahaman
Monday, October 22 2012, 10:17PM
“Yes wait until she uses the knife then close the stable door, How many previous convictions 33 ! Is she working, I doubt it, but has money to buy drink enough said. Illness or not the public need protecting , as do the police.”