A WOMAN who punched a police officer in the arm has been sentenced.

Lynne Longman, had been drinking alcohol in Pier Avenue, Clacton at around 2.20pm on Monday, October 9.

A group of people were consuming alcohol in this area which is covered by a public space protection order and officers asked the group to move away and give up their alcohol.

Longman, who was part of the group, refused to do this and became aggressive punching one officer in the arm.

This caused no injury.

Longman was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and for breaching a public space protection order.

She was later charged and pleaded guilty Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 16.

Longman was given a fine of 80 and ordered to pay costs of £85.

Inspector Darren Deex said: "Public Space Protection Orders are put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour and to provide community reassurance.

"Longman not only ignored this order, she also assaulted a police officer who was trying to do their job. We will not tolerate this behaviour and will take necessary action to deal with any offenders."