In Carmarthenshire, a 38-year-old woman, Stacey Harries, was brought before Swansea Crown Court for a disturbing incident that unfolded on August 13 at her mother’s home in Llanelli. The court heard that as officers from Dyfed-Powys Police were trying to arrest Harries for an unrelated matter, she became violent and aggressive. Resisting arrest, she kicked two police officers, attempted to bite one of them, and even grabbed another officer’s hair during the struggle.
Prosecution barrister Francesca Parry described how Harries used her legs to make it challenging for the police to escort her into a van. She kicked one officer in the stomach, aimed towards another officer’s face, and even tried to bite one of them before being restrained. Harries then verbally threatened the officers, shouting, “I will take your f****** face off!”
During the sentencing hearing, a victim impact statement was read out in court, expressing the officer’s distress at being assaulted while carrying out their duties. In defence, Harries’ barrister, Alex Scott, explained that her behaviour was closely tied to substance abuse issues stemming from a troubled upbringing. He noted that she had shown remorse and expressed a willingness to break the cycle of violence.
Recorder David Payne highlighted Harries’ extensive criminal record, which included multiple convictions for assaulting emergency workers. Despite her guilty plea, he handed her a 30-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months. Additionally, she was placed under community requirements, including alcohol abstinence and a rehabilitation activity mandate, and ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by emergency workers in the line of duty and the importance of addressing underlying issues such as substance abuse and trauma. The court’s decision aims to provide Harries with the opportunity to seek rehabilitation and break the cycle of violence that has marred her past interactions with law enforcement.