05 Dec Women Set Free After Her One Hundred Eighth Arrest
A woman from Dalston has been fined 100 pounds for being drunk and disorderly. Francesca Bibi who had no legal representation, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today. The 59 year old was arrested in Bishopsgate after disruptively yelling and swearing at members of the public.
JLDN reporter, Lauryn Pierro has the details.
Middle-aged Francesca Bibi has a history of alcohol abuse and being drunk and disorderly, having been arrested one hundred and seven times!
Today, despite her 63rd appearance before magistrates’, fifteen of which are drunk and disorderly, they took pity on her yet again and set her free with just a small fine.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told that the latest incident started at Bishopsgate in London, when police were called to the scene, finding Ms Bibi disruptively yelling and swearing at members of the public.
Even after being given the chance to calm down, it was too much for the 59-year-old and for the one hundred and eighth time, she was placed under arrested and spent the night in custody before appearing in court today.
With no legal representation, Bibi told the court that discovering that she was losing her sight drove her over the edge, yet again.
She said, “I didn’t hurt anyone and I have recently been diagnosed as partially sighted and it is making me depressed. I am seeking help and now have a support worker.”
The court heard about Bib’s reoccurring alcohol abuse which has led her to have financial responsibilities, which have been handed over to her daughter. This includes paying the debt that Bibi owes to the court.
The district judge suggested getting even more help for her alcohol abuse describing her reoffending as being “permanent and not a proper way to live life. I really do not want to see you here again.”
Bibi who seemed visibly distressed and apologetic, gasped with gratitude after the case was settled with a 100 pound fine and no victim surcharge.
She left the court a free woman after thanking the district judge.
This has been Lauryn Pierro reporting for JLDN.
