A DRUNKEN woman repeatedly swore at a police officer in a Darlington park as children passed on their way to school, a court heard.

Claire Dicks, 32, of Wilson Street pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly when she appeared before Darlington Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday, December 18).

Prosecuting, John Garside said that on the morning of December 4 a member of the public reported that a “heavily intoxicated” woman was walking around the Denes park area shouting.

When the officer found Dicks at about 8am, she was slumped on a park bench, “almost slipping off the seat,” said Mr Garside.

She continued to swear at the officer despite being warned about her behaviour, Mr Garside said.

“Due to the time of day and the location, small children who were walking to school witnessed it,” he added.

After about 15 minutes of trying to talk to her, the officer arrested Dicks for being drunk and disorderly.

Dicks, who represented herself in court, was asked to explain her actions by magistrates.

She responded: “It was only a one-off.

“I was at a party and I went through the park and I wanted to sit down.”

She was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £40 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.