A DRUNKEN woman who kicked and bit police officers after refusing to get changed in a cell has been ordered to pay compensation.

Emily Lynda Bagnall admitted assaulting a police officer causing actual bodily harm, assaulting an emergency worker by beating, and causing criminal damage to a necklace when she appeared before magistrates in Hereford at a previous hearing.

Police had been on patrol in Hereford's Commercial Street when they noticed Bagnall and became concerned by her behaviour at around 10.30pm on November 12, prosecutor Shafquat Reaz said.

But on speaking to her, officers said she was waving her arms and not listening to their requests, and she was arrested for drunk and disorderly behaviour.

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Bagnall was restrained on the floor after becoming agitated, kicking officers, refusing to walk to the van, and trying to bite officers attempting to assist her.

She was taken into custody at Hereford police station, where she was placed into a cell and asked to change into a rip-proof jumpsuit, but again became aggressive and non-compliant.

Bagnall was told that if she did not get changed herself, her clothing would be forcefully removed but still refused, the court heard.

But when officers went to help her, she turned violent, kicking, and punching, with a sergeant kicked in the face, and biting another so hard that she drew blood.

"This was a protracted assault," Mr Reaz said.

"The sergeant said her face was injured and her St Christopher necklace damaged, and that the defendant was actively trying to bite and hit officers."

Chris Read, for Bagnall, said the 27-year-old had never been in court before and had entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.

"The offences speak for themselves," Mr Read said.

"She was arrested for matters for which she has not been charged and said she was not involved with. A struggle started in the police station, and she was placed in a cell."

The case was adjourned for a pre-sentencing report to be carried out by probation, and Bagnall, of Canon Pyon, Herefordshire, appeared before magistrates for sentencing on March 16.

She was handed a six-month conditional discharge for criminal damage and assault by beating, and a six-month community order for assault occasioning actual bodily harm. She must also pay total compensation of £175 and costs of £85.