A DRUNK 41-year-old Tycroes woman was acting like a naughty toddler in a high chair when she began throwing chips around a fast food outlet, magistrates have been told.

Rachel Louise Tovey, formerly of The Wallich in Ammanford Road, but now living in Carmarthen, was drunk at the Ocean Blue chip shop at 7.15pm on Saturday, August 1.

Llanelli magistrates were told how staff at the outlet became increasing concerned for her safety and, after giving her a box of fish and chips, contacted police.

When PC Morris arrived at the scene, Tovey shouted at him: "Get me some vinegar."

She then began throwing chips at the constable.

Sharon Anderson, prosecuting, said PC Morris described Tovey as displaying "the behaviour you would expect from a naughty toddler in a high chair".

Tovey was arrested and taken to Llanelli Police Station.

Two days later - on August 3, staff at the Wallich, a supported housing unit, contacted police at 9.30pm having become concerned by Tovey's behaviour.

When officers arrived she was carrying a bottle of vodka and clearly drunk.

Tovey became increasingly abusive and refused to hand over the alcohol.

She was arrested and taken to Llanelli Police station where she lashed out and slapped PC Hannah Thorpe across the face.

Mike Read, defending, said Tovey was "very ashamed of her language and behaviour".

"She recalls being at the chip shop but not much else," said Mr Read.

He said Tovey had spent 20 years battling alcohol addiction and had checked herself in to a specialist clinic but had been on a day out when she became depressed by the anniversary of her father's death and began drinking.

"She got drunk," Mr Read said."She is disgusted by her behaviour and apologises for slapping the officer.

“She realises that she desperately needs help."

Tovey pleaded guilty to two charges of being drunk and disorderly and one of assaulting a constable.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order for assaulting PC Thorpe along with a 20-hour rehabilitation order and a £20 fine.

She was also ordered to pay PC Thorpe £35 compensation.

No separate penalties were imposed for the drunk and disorderly offences.

Tovey was also ordered to pay a £150 court charge, £85 prosecution costs and a £60 victim surcharge.