A NEWPORT woman who was described as having been "homeless, cold and miserable" appeared in court for being abusive towards her support worker.

Helen Louise Gibbons, 53, care of an address at Royal Exchange, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Monday.

She admitted using threatening or abusive words to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court Gibbons had shouted insults at her outreach support worker on New Year's Day.

She said the victim had been employed to work at Calverts Hotel, which was being used as a homeless shelter.

She had been helping Gibbons with housing and other needs, and had been on her way to work when she saw Gibbons mumbling to herself outside.

The court heard how, when the pair made eye contact, Gibbons had swore at the support worker and called her useless.

Mrs Smout said the support worker entered the hotel, where she learned Gibbons had been causing issues most of the morning.

When she went outside to help, Gibbons shouted more abuse at her, leaned into her face, and some spittle from her mouth landed on the victim's cheek.

In police interview, Gibbons admitted she had been kicking off, saying she had nowhere to sleep and they did nothing to help.

Henry Farley, defending, said a copy of her previous convictions showed a sad litany of petty offences, entirely consistent with alcohol.

He said, on talking to Gibbons, it shines through that she is a very good, honest person.

Mr Farley said Gibbons accepted she has a problem with drink.

He said, when asked if she was drunk, she answered, 'of course I'm drunk ­— I'm drunk all the time'.

He said at the time of the offence, she was homeless, cold and miserable, and was 'perhaps more unfortunate than bad'.

Gibbons was given a six-month community order to include ten rehabilitation days, and must pay a £95 surcharge.