A wife sick of her husband's cheating scratched his Audi causing £1,000 of damage before spitting at three police officers who tried to arrest her.

Karen Thompson had been drinking a bottle of wine in the driveway of the couple's Maidstone home before vandalising the car with a key - scratching the bonnet.

The police were called on shortly afterwards, on Sunday, December 30, but when three officers arrived to arrest her for criminal damage the 55-year-old spat in two of their faces.

She tried to spit at a third but missed.

Thompson appeared at Maidstone Magistrates; Court on Thursday, May 23.

Probation officer Lauren Packham, who interviewed the defendant, said: "They had family over during the Christmas period and had quite a few arguments about him having affairs which has been an ongoing pattern in the relationship. It can be volatile and toxic at times."

"Initially she had not been drinking but she was hurt and feeling angry

"When it comes to the damage to the car she tells me she feels nothing.

"She said she has no feelings towards him or his property. She tells me they will be going through a separation.

"The couple have been married for 32 years but that time has been littered with constant affairs on her husband's part."

"They had family over during the Christmas period and had quite a few arguments about him having affairs which has been an ongoing pattern in the relationship..." - probation officer Lauren Packham

Thompson is now living away from her husband Tony in Stonechat, Greenhithe.

Chairman of The Bench Stephen Rogers said: "This is not your first offence in criminal courts, indeed you have a previous like conviction for assaulting police.

"This bench has indicated before that one of the functions of the court is not just the protection of the public but all members of society including the police no matter what your views."

Thompson pleaded guilty to one charge of criminal damage and three charges of assaulting police officers.

She was sentenced to carry out a two month community order including 35 sessions of rehabilitation and 120 hours of unpaid work.

She was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to each police officer on top of £85 in court costs and the same sum for a victim surcharge.

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