A TEENAGE binge drinker sank four litres of cider then spat in a police officer's face.

Lia Jessica Wilson's "appalling" behaviour was laid bare before York magistrates.

The 18-year-old appeared in court yesterday yesterday - the day the Evening Press revealed how booze-fuelled women have helped push York drink-related disorder to record levels.

Police said the case was yet another example of this worrying new trend.

Magistrates heard police were alerted to Wilson and friend Karly Theresa Smith, 20, after reports of a Heslington shop theft.

The shopkeeper called officers who stopped the drunken pair as they cycled away.

Prosecutor Robert Moore said Wilson was unsteady on her feet and shouting and swearing, saying she had done nothing wrong. Smith was detained on suspicion of attempted theft. When Wilson was arrested for a public order offence she became increasingly "volatile".

Mr Moore said when handcuffed Wilson started kicking at officers' legs. When finally put in the police van, she spat in a police officer's face as the vehicle doors closed.

Wilson admitted resisting arrest, assaulting an officer and disorderly behaviour.

Smith admitted a charge of attempted theft, also on December 15 last year.

Colin Byrne, for Wilson, said his client had no previous convictions and was heavily drunk on the night after a four-litre cider binge.

Mr Bryne said his client had no recollection of her "absolutely appalling" behaviour.

David Hurlstone, for Smith, said she had no memory of trying to steal food worth £5.20 from the shop fridge.

Wilson, of Chestnut Grove, Acomb, was given 80 hours community punishment, with £60 costs.

Smith, of Leeman Road, York, was given a one-year conditional discharge, with £60 costs.

PC David Boag, York licensing officer, said after the case: "Women are increasingly using alcohol, like designer drinks and are not aware how much they are drinking. It's a worrying trend."

In a separate case yesterday, a York woman appeared before the Bench after elbowing a police officer in the eye during a drunken night out.

Maureen Anne Finnegan, 32, of Bishopthorpe Road, also kicked out and ripped an officer's jacket with her heel. Finnegan, who admitted assaulting and causing criminal damage early on Christmas Day last year, was given a six-month conditional discharge with £60 costs.

Updated: 09:42 Saturday, February 07, 2004