A young mother who has racked up an “astonishing” 25 assault convictions at the age of just 25 has been spared jail – but only because she is pregnant.
Laura-Marie Anderson yesterday admitted the latest of 16 attacks on police officers when she appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
And Anderson, from Peterhead, who it was said has a “significant problem” with alcohol, was warned this was her “final chance” to avoid ending up behind bars.
The court heard that on the evening of October 23, officers were called to the Scottish Ambulance Service depot in Ellon’s Castle Street.
Anderson, of Raemoss Road, was being dealt with by paramedics when the police arrived.
Fiscal depute Jamie Dunbar told the court she lashed out at constable Scott McIntyre, kicking him in the torso. Mr Dunbar added: “She behaved aggressively towards the police witnesses.”
Defending the 25-year-old, solicitor Iain Jane said: “Miss Anderson is a 25-year-old and resides in an address in Peterhead. It’s clear from the record and the report that alcohol is a significant problem in her life.”
Mr Jane told the court Anderson is “between 12-13 weeks pregnant” and that she is not working as a result.
“When she committed an offence of this type, there was a safety net as her mother could look after the children.
“That is no longer the case,” he added – because Anderson’s mother’s health has deteriorated to the point where she is unable to take care of her grandchildren.
Mr Jane added: “My submission would be instead of custody, the court impose 18 months supervision from this date.”
Presiding, Sheriff Graham Buchanan described the young mother’s criminal record as “astonishing”.
“Miss Anderson, by my calculations this is the 25th assault conviction you have racked up in 25 years,” he told her.
“That is astonishing.
“And 16 of those have been against police officers.”
Sheriff Buchanan said he was willing to offer Anderson one “final chance” to avoid custody, given her pregnancy.
“I know when some people are given a final chance they think they have got away with it,” he warned her.
“You are at the last chance saloon.
“If you don’t make a change you will go into custody, you will go round and round that door and that will not be good for your children.”
Anderson admitted the charge and was handed an 18 month supervision order and was ordered to go through an alcohol abuse treatment programme.
