A WOMAN who reacted to being arrested on an unrelated matter by spitting in a police van, appeared at an Isle of Wight court.

Former Island resident Jennifer May-Cunningham, now of Pembroke Crescent, Hove, admitted possessing cannabis and causing criminal damage to a police van, by spitting in it, in Newport, on July 3.

She appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday, October 18.

On the day in question, May-Cunningham had been arrested for an unrelated matter and, as she was put into a police van, she started spitting, said Lauren McConnell, prosecuting.

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At the station, when searched, officers found a tin containing herbal cannabis on the 38-year-old's person.

May-Cunningham has a criminal record of 14 convictions for 27 offences, which included five against property, including arson.

For May-Cunningham, Oscar Vincent said his client had been visiting family on the Island, when police arrested her for something she denied and which ultimately was not proceeded with.

"Miss May-Cunningham felt a sense of injustice at being arrested and was in a highly emotional state," Mr Vincent explained.

"She later apologised to the arresting officer for her reaction. There was no material damage caused to the van, which was remedied by cleaning it."

Magistrates fined May-Cunningham £40, with £85 costs and a £26 surcharge, and handed her a six-month conditional discharge.