02 Dec Drunk who assaulted police officer begs judge for help
A Catford woman with a list of previous convictions has begged a court for help, following a violent outburst during her arrest.
Katie Opher, 23, from 158 Catford Road, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with drunk and disorderly behaviour. Opher, who has a long record of mental health issues, pleaded guilty and was given two suspended prison sentences of six weeks by magistrates. She is required to attend 20 days rehabilitation and pay £40 compensation.
On the evening of 4th September, Opher whilst intoxicated, violently kicked down a door at Greek Street in Soho, London and was reported shouting at the public. When authorities arrived she was told to leave the area and did not. She called a female police officer “a bitch” and kicked her on the head. Once in custody, she spat at another police officer.
Opher, who represented herself in court, on the brink of tears and trembling with anxiousness, admitted she had an ongoing issue with cannabis use. Earlier last month, she began work as a chef but had to take time off to deal with her mental health issues.
The court heard for ten years she tried to stop drinking and was repeatedly turned down for personal independence payments. “I felt like I was put in a position where I had to work even though I didn’t have the mental health for it,” she told the court.
“I was taking a lot of cocaine and maybe there was even ADHD and I’ve been going to my GP for many years. Please help me. I’ve been told many times to just not do what I’m doing and I’m doing them because of external factors. I just want this to be known.”
