A WOMAN has been banned from entering Harlow after assaulting a hotel worker and seven police officers and having a knife in a public place.

Staff at the Travelodge in Edinburgh Gate, Harlow, called police shortly after 7.55pm on Sunday 2 June 2 with reports Morrell Elliot had been arguing with a man and smoking cannabis in one of the rooms.

They were asked to leave but Elliot refused. She argued with a staff member and spat at him, and caused damage to the room and reception area costing £1,260 to repair.

The 21-year-old then assaulted two officers who had been called to the hotel. She bit one in the leg and spat at him, and scratched and spat at a second officer.

After being taken to Harlow Police Station, she assaulted five officers including biting, kicking, scratching and spitting at them.

Elliot, of no fixed address, was charged with seven counts of assaulting an emergency worker, one count of assault by beating, and one count of criminal damage.

She admitted the charges at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 3 June.

She also admitted possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, following a separate incident on Tuesday 30 April.

Her boyfriend was assaulted in Potter Street, Harlow, and Elliot chased after the suspect with a 12-inch knife, which she had on her for protection.

She was given a 14-month jail term suspended for two years when she appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday 7 July. She was also banned from entering Harlow for 12 months, must complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and comply with a curfew between 6pm and 6am for four months.

The knife has been seized and will be destroyed.

Investigating officer DC Ryan Burgess said: “Elliot reacted aggressively to being asked to leave the hotel, assaulted a staff member and put him in fear of further violence.

“She then attacked seven officers who were dealing with her after the incident at the hotel.

“Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way in order to protect members of the public and we will not tolerate such aggressive behaviour.

“We will also take robust action against anyone carrying a knife. People may think it gives them protection, but it only puts them at greater risk of hurting someone, or of having the knife turned on them.

“Carrying a knife will not protect you and will only increase the risks to you and others.”

Note

No photo is suppled with story as she did not review a custodial sentence of twelve months or more.