A HONITON teenage mother was so drunk that paramedics treating her were reluctant to leave her in charge of a child.

A HONITON teenage mother was so drunk that paramedics treating her were reluctant to leave her in charge of a child.

Paramedics were called to help Catherine Elizabeth Dustan, who became abusive and later punched an assisting police officer.

The 18-year-old admitted assaulting Pc Niall Weatherhead and was sentenced to six months conditional discharge at Central Devon Magistrates' Court.

The court heard Dustan had been extremely drunk and had collapsed. Paramedics tried to take the baby from her because of her state, and she became abusive towards them.

The police were called and Dustan swore at Pc Weatherhead, hitting his body armour. Despite warnings he would arrest her if she did not calm down, she swung a punch under the bridge of his nose.

In mitigation, Jeremy Asher said Dustan had misunderstood the situation and was apologetic.

He said: "She's extremely sorry to find herself in this situation. Sorry and embarrassed."

He added that she was seeking help, including from ENDAS, an addiction treatment team.

Dustan was ordered to pay �50 compensation to PC Weatherhead.