POLICE officers came under attack as they tried to break up a rowdy lock-in at a Penhill pub during the height of the first lockdown

Amanda Macieszonek, who punched and kicked three officers called to the Deers Leap pub in April, was ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work after she admitted assaulting emergency workers and breaching coronavirus rules.

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Macieszonek leaves Swindon Magistrates' Court

Prosecutor Nick Barr told Swindon Magistrates’ Court that police were called to the Penhill Drive boozer on April 16. A month earlier, pubs and bars had been given the order to close as the pandemic raged.

Neighbours had reported hearing loud music and seeing people coming-and-going from the public house.

When police officers arrived they could hear music and singing from inside the Deers Leap pub. They knocked at the door and identified themselves, but the door remained locked until eventually the landlord opened the front door.

Inside the pub were approximately six people drinking and listening to music. Mr Barr said: “Most were intoxicated and police struggled to ascertain who lived there. According to the people in the pub they were all living there.”

A male drinker was said to have picked up a pool cue. PC Martin, one of the officers tasked to the incident, asked him to put it down. When the drinker failed to respond to the request, the officer took hold of the piece of sports equipment sparking a struggle as others in the pub piled in.

Macieszonek punched a female officer, PC Eddy, several times in the face before moving away from the fracas. The woman then assaulted another constable, PC Tape, punching him twice in the head before striking PC Eddy in the jaw.

As she was marched out of the pub, Macieszonek kicked PC Martin in the leg.

None of the officers were injured in the incident, Mr Barr said.

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The Deers Leap pub, Penhill Picture: ADVER

Appearing before the magistrates’ court on Friday afternoon, Macieszonek, 51, of Penhill Drive, pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting an emergency worker by beating and one count of breaching the coronavirus regulations by being out of the house without a reasonable excuse.

Liz Highams, defending, said her client had been staying at the pub while her own home was being renovated. She had made full admissions during her police interview. “She is obviously very remorseful and apologetic this took place when it did.”

Although alcohol had played a part in the incident, she did not have a problem with drink. She now rarely drank.

Chairman of the bench Jane Durrant ordered Macieszonek complete 150 hours of unpaid work as part of a 12 month community order. She must pay £50 compensation to each of the police officers and pay £180 in costs and surcharge.

In the wake of the incident in April, police said they had issued fines to everyone in the pub while the landlord was later served with a prohibition notice by the council.

Supt Phil Staynings said at the time: “This was completely unacceptable behaviour – three officers assaulted whilst going about their duties to ensure the public are keeping safe and adhering to the government restrictions.

“It is really disappointing to hear that not only are people flouting the rules at this time of great uncertainty but a complete disregard is being shown for our officers.”