A DRUNK woman used 'vulgar' language while being arrested in front of shoppers, magistrates heard.

Sarah Louise Richards, 35, of Prospect Walk, Tupsley, pleaded guilty to using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Amy Davies, prosecuting, said that at about 1.30pm on December 23, the defendant was involved in an incident at the Imperial on Widemarsh Street, Hereford, and police were called.

"She was taken on foot to Hereford custody and on route her behaviour was vulgar and included shouting and swearing in the street while members of the public were present," said Mrs Davies.

Richards made remarks to one police officer about his sexuality and told another one to 'stop comfort eating'.

"She attempted to run into the road at the junction of Commercial Road and Commercial Street," added Mrs Davies.

"The families present were distressed and appalled by her behaviour."

Richards, representing herself, said that she was drunk and couldn't remember the incident.

She said: "I was drunk and in the pub with my daughter's presents which were stolen from the table.

"I was arguing with staff and arrested but don't know what was said. I'm embarrassed as I was drunk and can't remember it, I'm sorry."

Magistrates ordered Richards to pay a £120 fine and an additional £30 for the remarks made of a sexual nature.

She was also ordered to pay £135 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.