A WOMAN allegedly attacked a police officer after being caught urinating in Primark changing rooms on New Year's Eve, the High Court heard today.
Prosecutors claimed Karen O'Brien started shouting and swearing when she was discovered at the newly opened city centre store.
The 51-year-old former bank employee, of Lenadoon Avenue, west Belfast, faces charges of disorderly behaviour, along with assaulting, resisting and obstructing a PSNI constable.
Ms O'Brien is further accused of harassment and intimidation over unrelated incidents.
Police were called to Primark on Castle Street amid reports that a woman was urinating in the changing area and "kicking off".
Ms O'Brien then allegedly gave false details before kicking out and striking the leg of a policewoman attempting to arrest her.
Defence counsel said she had stayed sober for a number of years, securing a position with a leading bank, but following a family bereavement she lost the job and began drinking again.
Mr Justice Gerry McAlinden stressed the need for medical help for her "self-destructive" alcohol problems, adding the nature of the alleged offending "is really sad to hear".
"If that's not an indication of having fallen as far as you can fall as a result of drink I don't know what is."
Denying full bail, the judge agreed to allow compassionate, temporary release once an appointment with her GP is confirmed.
