Couple who assaulted police officer avoid having holiday ruined

Alysha Shivji and Myah Georgina Guscott’s argument with each other led to the manager of the Dancing Jug in Bournemouth calling emergency services.

Officers attended and while attempts were made to restrain Shivji, she kicked out at PC Georgina McKeown several times.

In efforts to get her partner released, Guscott placed her arm around the constable’s neck on two occasions.

Shivji, 30 and of Heron Court Road, Bournemouth, and Guscott, 23 and of Westbourne Park Road, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to assault by beating of an emergency worker.

The defendants appeared in the dock at Bournemouth Crown Court (Image: Newsquest)

In mitigating for Guscott, Laura Deuxberry said that imposing a curfew without an exception would leave the two defendants unable to go on a pre-booked holiday with Shivj’s daughter days after the hearing.

Recorder Clive Dow questioned why someone would arrange a holiday knowing they were going to court.

Ms Deuxberry said Guscott did not think the trip could affect Recorder Dow's sentencing options.

The judge said he had considered issuing a curfew but in all the circumstances, including the financial loss, it would be “disproportionate even though I could have imposed it”.

He imposed 12-month community orders, with a single requirement to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Outlining the details of the offence, which took place in Poole Hill, Bournemouth, on March 13 last year, Recorder Dow said: “You are in a relationship and during that evening you had an argument.

“The argument was so serious and so public the manager of the bar called police.”

While it has been suggested the incident might have resolved itself, the judge said: “It was entirely right to call police.

“You are in a physical fight with each other, I have watched it back,” Recorder Dow said.

PC McKeown and a fellow officer attended the scene by which time Guscott was sat on some decking and her partner was crouching down next to her.

Recorder Dow said the argument was continuing “ferociously”.

Shivji was pulled away by officers and she repeatedly kicked PC McKeown causing her pain.

“You abused the officers,” the judge said. “You threatened to headbutt PC McKeown.

“You Guscott were also abusing officers.”

Recorder Dow said Guscott was trying to get her partner released.

“Nevertheless, you placed your arm around PC McKeown and you applied pressure,” he said.

More officers were called to deal with the defendants and they were both taken to a police station. They both made no comment in interview.

“I am satisfied you are equally responsible for the harm caused to PC McKeown,” Recorder Dow said.

He added: “You were quite a drain on the local constabulary’s resources that evening.”

Prosecutor Stuart Ellacott played CCTV footage of the incident at the hearing.

Holly Fagan, representing Shivji, said the officers had been “very rough” with her client.

Shivji had never been in trouble with police before and she found the whole situation “extremely scary”.

Ms Deuxberry said Guscott expressed shame and remorse for her actions, adding that she knew police work in a very challenging environment.

Both defendants had been drinking alcohol on the night of the incident, which was described as “unusual” for them.

They appeared in the dock at Bournemouth Crown Court to be sentenced on Monday, July 31.

Recorder Dow also ordered them to pay £200 compensation and a £95 surcharge each.

He told the couple: “Be in no doubt as to how serious this is.”