A woman banned from drinking alcohol claims she wanted to be arrested by police for being drunk after she was left stranded in the "middle of nowhere" following a funeral, a court has heard.

Police in Oswestry arrested 36-year-old Sam Watkins, who was found sat on a wall with an almost empty bottle of wine, after they were called about an alleged assault involving a woman who had slapped a man in the face.

The Newtown woman appeared at Welshpool Magistrates' Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to breaching her criminal behaviour order by drinking alcohol and being found drunk in a public place on May 10.

She also admitted failing to surrender to bail by not attending Telford Magistrates' Court on June 6.

Magistrates ordered Watkins to complete a 12-month community order with a nine-month alcohol treatment programme. She must pay £215 on top of the £3,000 fines that she already owes to the court.

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Paul Inns, representing Watkins, said it had been a difficult period in her life following the death of her brother.

"It’s fair to say Miss Watkins suffers with some personal difficulties and mental health issues," he said. "I’ve known her for many years. You wouldn’t meet a nicer lady when she hasn’t drunk alcohol.

"It’s fair to say she has been trying to make real progress. She says she is more or less off the drink other than a can here and there."

He added: “She was found drunk on the day of [her partner's brother's] funeral. She had been with her boyfriend and his dad and brother.

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“There were issues with her partner’s family. They chucked her out of the house and left her stranded in the middle of nowhere. She says she wanted to be arrested so she wouldn’t be in a vulnerable situation."

Mr Inns said Watkins was let down by a family member who was unable to take her by car to the court in Telford, and then she tried to resolve the situation by trying to get a video link to the court hearing.

"She had taken steps but sadly not sufficient steps," Mr Inns added.

"She is a young lady who has her own personal demons. She does her best. She is a vulnerable character.

"I can tell you she is willing to comply with any order that will be imposed on her today."

Probation officer Julian Davies told the court that Watkins, who has 18 convictions for 38 offences, including 11 for violence, is classed as high risk of reoffending. He said alcohol contributed "significantly" to her offending.

However, since her release from prison in September 2022, there have been no further breaches and Watkins' engagement has improved "significantly".

Magistrates decided that Watkins should attend 15 rehabilitation requirement days.

"It's us to say that we recognise you need support and people are there to help you only if you put that work in," said chair of the magistrates' bench Sarah Sargent.

“This is your chance to put that work forward. We do wish you well with the next nine months."