Woman Accused of Spitting at Police Officers during Arrest at Greenock Supermarket

Strategic Insights -

A woman allegedly behaved aggressively towards police officers and spitting at them during an arrest at a Greenock supermarket. Witnesses told the court that 59-year-old Jill Smith spat at two police officers and a custody search officer after being taken into custody for behaving aggressively in the store. Smith is standing trial on charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and assaulting the officers by spitting at them.

During the incident, a police constable heard shouting coming from the cigarette counter area and tried to engage with Smith, who continued to shout and swear. Smith was informed of her arrest and taken to the ground to gain control of her, during which she allegedly told the officers that she was in possession of a knife. After being placed in the rear of the cell van, Smith allegedly spat at a male constable who had arrived to assist his colleagues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident occurred on September 12 at a Tesco supermarket in Dalrymple Street, Greenock.
  • Jill Smith, 59, allegedly behaved aggressively towards police officers, shouted, and swore during the incident.
  • Smith allegedly spat at two police officers and a custody search officer during the arrest.
  • The female police constable who witnessed the incident testified that Smith told her and her partner that she was in possession of a knife before spitting on her shoulder.
  • Defence solicitor Paul Cook questioned the witnesses about the possibility of Smith's spittle accidentally landing on their colleagues, but all three disagreed with this suggestion.
  • The trial was adjourned part-heard, with Smith due to return to court later this month.

Statistics:

  • The incident occurred on September 12 at a Tesco supermarket in Dalrymple Street, Greenock.
  • Jill Smith is standing trial on charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and assaulting the officers by spitting at them.
  • The trial was adjourned part-heard, with Smith due to return to court later this month.

Sources:

  • Greenock Sheriff Court
  • Police witnesses
  • Defence solicitor Paul Cook
  • Read more at [Police website, possibly Policing Scotland]