Lauren St Pierre, of Hartfield Road, got into a dispute with police after they arrested her boyfriend.

The 19-year-old, who has a drug problem, got in the way and then slapped an officer around the face.

In the police car she kicked out and struck the officer in the shin.

At a hearing at Eastbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, St Pierre pleaded guilty to assaulting an officer, failing to surrender and admitted breaching a conditional discharge.

Magistrates also heard that in the past she had failed to keep some appointments with probation.

Sonya Frough-Haghighat, defending, said the reason for this was because of illness and a letter being sent to the wrong address.

She added that her client was willing to take part in a programme rather than go to prison.

She said, "Miss St Pierre is conscious that she has to do all that is required of her.

"She is mindful that if you deal with this matter in another way it could see her going to prison.

"She is very frightened at that prospect.

"I would ask you to take into account her background. She has a troubled background, having been placed in foster care at an early age.

"At the time this offence was committed she lacked support from members of her family. She is in contact with her mother, but her father is a drug addict himself and she has no support from him.

"She acknowledges she needs help to get over her drug problem. She does not feel she has a problem with alcohol.

"This is a serious matter and Miss St Pierre is aware of that.

"The injury the officer received was temporary discomfort and there was no lasting injury. I would ask you to bear that in mind."

St Pierre received a 12-month community order with supervision requirement and must attend the Offenders Substance Misuse Programme.
She was fined £50 for failing to surrender and must pay £50 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.