Durham woman admits racially abusing police officer in Spennymoor

Antonia Evans was accused of making the offensive remarks to the female officer on Saturday, April 19, last year.

Appearing at a plea hearing in the case, at Durham Crown Court, on May 19 last year, she denied the allegation and a trial date was fixed for July 27, this year.

But the case came back before the court today (Tuesday, June 23) when defence counsel, Jordan Parkinson, asked for the charge to be put to her client once more.

This time Evans pleaded guilty and Judge Nathan Adams said the trial date next month could now be vacated from the court list.

Judge Adams said due to a lack of recent convictions the sentencing judge would probably be assisted by preparation of a background report on the defendant by the Probation Service.

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He told Evans: “You have now pleaded guilty to this matter, and the sentence will take place in about five weeks’ time.

“The nature of the sentence will be entirely up to the judge sitting that day.”

Judge Adams bailed 39-year-old Evans, of Coopers Close, Thornley, to return to court for the sentencing hearing on July 31.