Derbyshire mum struck police with handbag during distressing fracas outside home

Riddings woman Dianne Sellors’ bag connected with the back of the officer’s head and shoulder as she rushed to comfort her son when police used spray on him while struggling to get him into handcuffs.

Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard how on June 23 police were called to Ms Sellors’ home address as her son was “covered in petrol” and “trying to set himself alight”.

Prosecutor Peter Bettany told how the female officer had to push the frantic and “screaming” mum away as the handbag hit her.

While fellow officers wrestled to control the woman’s distressed son outside the property - which had all of its downstairs windows smashed.

However the court heard during a police interview Ms Sellors, 60, said she “just wanted to get to her son to give him a hug” and was “appalled” at her behaviour.

Mr Bettany said: “She just wanted to help her son and there were no injuries to the officer.”

Ms Sellors’ solicitor Georgia Collins said the mum was “shocked” seeing her son in such a bad state.

The handbag was on her shoulder and as she rushed to comfort him “in the heat of the moment” it connected with the officer as she tried to get to him.

Ms Collins added: “During the arrest (her son) was sprayed with gas by officers and she just wanted to get to him to calm him down and give him a hug.”

“She accepts her actions were reckless - she’s a woman of good character and is upset to find herself in this situation.”

Ms Sellors, of Vicarage Mews, admitted assault by beating an emergency worker.

A magistrate noted mum Ms Sellors was of previous good character had shown remorse “from the outset”.

She said: “It was a very nasty incident for everybody concerned and it must have been quite a traumatic day.”

Ms Sellors was given a 12-month conditional discharge - she was also handed £85 court costs and a £22 victim surcharge.

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