A WOMAN who punched a paramedic between the legs has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Victoria Elizabeth Barrett, 43, must also pay the emergency worker compensation.

She had drunk a 70cl bottle of rum before the incident in her flat on November 26, York Magistrates Court heard.

“He was trying to help the defendant and assist her,” said Jane Chadwick, prosecuting.

Barrett had been abusive and when the paramedic of 12 years’ service moved closer to her, she lashed out.

She punched him between the legs, causing him to jump back.

“I don’t need to explain to you just how painful that was,” district judge Adrian Lower told Barrett. “I am sure it was very painful.”

Barrett, of Horsman Avenue, off Barbican Road, York, pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker.

She was given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months so she could get mental health treatment, and was ordered him to pay £200 compensation.

She lives on benefits.

Defence solicitor Andrew Craven said Barrett's mental health had suffered during the pandemic and lockdowns.

When she had no-one to turn to, she turned to drink.

She had called the emergency services for help and while waiting for the ambulance to arrive had drunk the alcohol.

“Her thinking skills deteriorated to the point where she is making poor choices rather than the right choices," he said.

She was on a waiting list for treatment for her mental health problems.

If she was jailed, she would go to the bottom of the queue, said the solicitor.

The judge said that emergency service workers provide an extremely valuable service.

"They deserve our respect and our support, particularly given the very difficult times we are all going through," he said.

But if he sent Barrett to jail she would get no help for her mental health and would only serve a short time in jail.

“Cut out the drinking – it’s not doing you or anyone else any good,” he told her.

Mrs Chadwick said Barrett told police she had no memory of what she had done from 4pm on November 26 because of the amount of alcohol she had drunk.