Tracy Marie Starling, formerly of Falmouth, escaped an immediate prison sentence when she appeared before magistrates last week, but was made the subject of five suspended sentences, all to run concurrently.

Starling, 33, who now lives in Pendeen Road, Truro, was given a 16 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, after pleading guilty to assaulting PC Stevenson in Truro on July 23. She had previously pleaded not guilty to the offence.

She was further committed to prison for 16 weeks, again suspended for 12 months, after admitting assaulting PCSO Emily Distin on the same date.

Three further, two week prison sentences were suspended for 12 months, after she admitted charges of resisting PC Pearce and PC Filkin and stealing two hooded tops worth £100 from Superdry in Truro. All the suspended sentences are to run concurrently and Starling must comply with an order to receive treatment for alcohol dependency for six months.

Six other offences had been admitted and taken into consideration by the magistratessitting at Truro. The reason custodial sentences, albeit suspended, were imposed was “deliberate offending, aggravated by previous convictions.”

The guilty pleas were taken into consideration.

Starling was ordered to pay £80 victim surcharge and £200 towards the prosecution costs. Six offences of shoplifting were withdrawn by the prosecution and no separate penalty was imposed after Starling admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in Truro, again on July 23.