Grangemouth woman who kicked and bit police will be supervised

An offender has been placed under supervision after she kicked and bit police.
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Laura McFarlane, whose address was given as 21 Inchyra Place, Grangemouth, was caught breaching a bail condition on January 31, 2020 by failing to comply with an order preventing her from entering within 100 yards of a property in Kingseat Avenue in the town.

The 37-year-old then assaulted an officer by kicking him on the body at Falkirk Police Station that same day and again attacked the man at Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

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McFarlane, who appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday, also admitted biting a police officer on the body at the Larbert hospital, where she behaved threateningly by shouting, swearing and uttering threats of violence.

Laura McFarlane appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court. Picture: Michael Gillen.Laura McFarlane appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Laura McFarlane appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court. Picture: Michael Gillen.

Murray Aitken, defence solicitor, said the case had been continued for a progress report and McFarlane had engaged with the process.

However, procurator fiscal depute India MacLean said McFarlane had been charged with threatening or abusive behaviour since her last court appearance in February.

Her solicitor confirmed the charge and explained his client was currently under supervision – an order that’s due to expire in June.

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The lawyer added: “There seems to be a focus on that continuing.

“She’s not keen on a restriction of liberty order as she has a number of appointments to attend. Her mother lives nearby and doesn’t keep good health.

“She spent 40 days in custody at the outset.”

Sheriff Livingston placed McFarlane under supervision for two years and made her subject to a two-month, 8pm-6am restriction of liberty order as an alternative to custody.

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