A newlywed couple spent their wedding night in separate police cells – after being arrested hours after tying the knot because the bride spat at a police officer.
Neill John Draper, 44 and Keira Andrea Draper, 39, wed on the morning of December 22 last year.
But the couple spent their wedding night at a custody suite in Barrow, Cumbria, a court heard.
At around 11.30pm that night, police officers from Cumbria Constabulary were called to reports of an ‘unresponsive female wearing a bridal gown’ during celebrations at the Farmer’s Arms pub, in Ulverston.
Neill John Draper and Keira Andrea Draper spent their wedding night in separate police cells
The bride launched a foul-mouthed tirade, called the officers ‘pigs’ then spat at them when she was handcuffed.
Her new husband appeared intoxicated and shouted at officers, South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday.
Peter Kelly, prosecuting, said Mrs Draper, of York Square, Ulverston, took ‘particular offence’ when she saw officers at her wedding reception.
‘She was unable to stand at one point and when she was put in cuffs, she spat at the police.’
‘She says she only drank one large glass of champagne and was not drunk, but she took codeine at 2pm, and said she probably shouldn’t have done this.’
The couple were arrested hours after tying the knot because the bride spat at a police officer
The court also heard how Mr Draper, of Prince Street, Dalton, appeared ‘intoxicated’ and began shouting at officers when they approached him.
Officers later discovered a small amount of cannabis on him, which he says was from ‘a small joint’ he smoked before the ceremony.
Andy Gallagher, defending, said: ‘What should have been a pleasant day of celebration ended with these defendants in custody.
‘The police’s immediate reaction was to suspect that she (Mrs Draper) had been assaulted by her partner and she took exception to this suggestion.
The court also heard how Mr Draper appeared ‘intoxicated’ and began shouting at officers when they approached him
‘When he (Mr Draper) saw his wife arrested, he likewise got upset.’
Mrs Draper pleaded guilty to drunk and disorderly in a public place and assaulting a constable in the execution of duty.
District Judge Gerald Chalk fined her £35 and £100 respectively.
She was also ordered to pay £50 compensation to PC Sutherland and £85 in court costs.
Mr Draper pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly and possessing a controlled Class B drug.
He was fined £35 and £60 respectively, and ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £30. A forfeiture and destruction order was also made for the cannabis.