A CARER has been handed a fine after abusing police after she was found lying on the ground in Hereford city centre.

Lucy Valerie Reynolds admitted one count of drunk and disorderly behaviour when she appeared before magistrates in Hereford.

Police were called to reports of a woman lying in the street in Hereford's High Town at around 2am on August 14, prosecutor Shafquat Reaz said.

Officers spoke to her to try and find out where she lived so they could get her home safely, but Reynolds became difficult and aggressive, swearing at police.

The officers continued to try and speak to Reynolds, but she was arrested after her behaviour continued.

Speaking on her own behalf, the 23-year-old, who has previous convictions for drunk and disorderly behaviour and causing criminal damage, said she had no memory of the incident.

"I work night shifts in care and I had a night off with friends and it got a bit out of hand," she said.

Magistrates told Reynolds that they would normally expect defendants to apologise and show some remorse for their behaviour rather than just saying they could not remember what had happened, and that she should know better than to drink to excess as a healthcare worker.

Reynolds, of Grandison Rise, Hereford, was fined £200. She must pay costs of £135 and a £34 victim surcharge.