Maidstone Woman Jailed for Kicking, Spitting at Police
A Maidstone woman was slapped with a 12-month prison sentence just one day after unleashing a violent attack on police officers. Karen Thompson was arrested after subjecting officers to relentless verbal and physical abuse at her home in Lower Fant Road in the early hours of Friday, 25 October 2019.
Police Called to Disturbance Face Abuse and Violence
Officers arrived following reports of a disturbance, but Thompson refused to let them in. She hurled abuse and even threw a mobile phone out of a window. When police forced their way inside, Thompson tried to spit in one officer’s face and bit another’s hand.
The 56-year-old didn’t stop there. She kicked and spat at officers repeatedly and continued her violent behaviour in custody, scratching an officer and deliberately urinating on the cell floor.
Tough New Law Hits Hard: Assaults on Emergency Workers
Thompson was charged with two counts of common assault against emergency workers under the Assaults on Emergency Workers Act, which came into effect in November 2018. This law creates harsher penalties for anyone attacking police, paramedics, nurses, and other blue light workers.
Just one day after her arrest, Thompson faced Medway Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 26 October, and was sentenced to 12 months behind bars. This included activating a suspended sentence from August 2019 for similar crimes.
Police Praise Swift Justice for Attack on Officers
“Every day police are required to attend unpredictable, challenging, and sometimes volatile situations. However, like any other job, officers should not be subjected to assaults while carrying out their duties,” said Detective Sergeant Vick Swift of the Maidstone Vulnerable Investigation Team.
“Thompson’s behaviour was utterly abhorrent and unacceptable. It’s pleasing to see the courts deliver appropriate justice so swiftly.
“Assaults on police are completely unacceptable. Those responsible for abusing officers can expect serious charges and penalties, as this case clearly shows.”
