Drunken Woman Made Racial Remarks In Ely City Centre
A DRUNKEN woman made racial remarks as members of the public tried to lift her off the ground in Ely city centre. South African Audrey Gill swore as she complained about the British – and claimed she was on her way to church and had no need of help. She
A DRUNKEN woman made racial remarks as members of the public tried to lift her off the ground in Ely city centre.
South African Audrey Gill swore as she complained about the British - and claimed she was on her way to church and had no need of help.
"She smelled strongly of alcohol, she had red and glazed eyes, and her speech was slurred," Ely magistrates were told by prosecutor Laura Mardell.
"Police officers tried to calm her down, but she continued to swear about the British, her comments were directed at the men trying to assist her."
Gill, 60, of Lantern Court, High Street, Ely, admitted a charge of racially aggravated threatening behaviour, committed on Sunday February 22.
"My husband is English, and much as I love him, when we argue I hate him for a while," she explained.
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"We had been arguing all weekend about money, and getting on each other's nerves. I decided to go to church to interact with someone else, rather than argue with him all weekend.
"I didn't get much further than coming out of my building, I realise I had done the wrong thing."
Gill, who has previous convictions for drink related public order offences, is currently subject to a 24-month supervision order with the probation service.
She told the court: "When I saw CCTV of the incident I was disgusted and horrified. I know everyone is trying to assist me. I feel a failure and a sorry old has-been. I am 60 years old, and emotionally immature.
"I always had a drink problem in South Africa, I find marriage extra stressful at times, and I have so many debts."
Maxine Bailey from the probation service told magistrates it was no longer appropriate to give Gill an alcohol treatment order. "She has had all the help we can give her," she added.
Presiding magistrate Bryant Watson told Gill: "You are a 60-year-old lady of good appearance and elegance, but you are letting yourself down by drinking."
She was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay �60 costs.
