Rachael Whittingham admitted to scratching a police officer but denies biting, leading to a hearing.
The court learned she disagreed with parts of the charge. Her lawyer, Gurleen Kaur, spoke for Whittingham, stating she scratched PC Hewitt but denied stamping or biting him.
Kaur stated PC Hewitt stopped Whittingham while driving, noting they have a prior history involving alleged assaults by her against him. She finds him intimidating, Kaur explained.
Whittingham resisted him and did not listen. She stepped on his foot wearing Crocs, but she did not mean to harm him. She scratched him due to hip issues, as he held her on the ground, hurting her hip; she wanted him to stop, Kaur said, reiterating she denies any biting.
Helen Tench, the prosecutor, had a different view, claiming Whittingham stamped on the officer’s foot and also bit him.
Tench stated the bite broke the skin, leaving a scar and requiring treatment. PC Hewitt needed antibiotics and a tetanus shot.
Magistrates will hold a hearing to determine if they accept her plea, because she claims she didn’t bite the officer. This hearing will happen before sentencing.
The hearing is set for April 28. Whittingham received unconditional bail and remains on bail until that date.