A Wrexham woman who assaulted two hospital staff members and tried to drink hand sanitiser in the back of an ambulance has been spared jail.
Tracy Myers, of Crescent Close, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The 42-year-old had previously admitted a raft of offences including shoplifting, assaults, and criminal damage.
She admitted one further theft at the outset of the hearing.
Prosecutor Hannah Williams told the court that the shoplifting matters took place on various dates in 2026 and 2026.
They saw her target Tesco in Wrexham six times, taking various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks worth £7.50, £7, £10.80, £9.95, £20.50, and £11.75 respectively.
One further shoplifting offence, this time committed at Rowlands Pharmacy in Wrexham on December 5 last year, saw her steal a box of Viagra worth £19.52.
Ms Williams explained that regarding the other matters, on November 10 last year, Myers contacted emergency services regarding a pain in her abdomen.
She was conveyed to Wrexham Maelor Hospital's emergency department but had to remain in an ambulance on arrival due to waiting times.
Two hours into that wait, she became abusive with staff and damaged a hand sanitiser dispenser in the ambulance before trying to drink its contents.
As one staff member, David Edwards, tried to restrain her, Myers elbowed him in the jaw.
When Jack Whitehead, a member of the hospital's security team, was called to help, she elbowed him in the face too.
Ms Williams told the court that the prosecution sought the imposition of a criminal behaviour order (CBO) for the defendant to prohibit her from, among other things, using foul or abusive language or behaviour in public, as well as drinking in public and concealing items in her clothing when in shops.
Lorraine McClure described her client's case as "unusual," explaining: "Ms Myers has significant issues with mental health and with alcohol.
"She is being assisted with her alcoholism and has attempted to attend a detox.
"She didn't complete that."
Ms McClure acknowledged Myers' position was "a difficult one," adding: "The most serious offences are the criminal damage and the assaults.
"She is getting help."
District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "There are so many people who want to help you.
"The one person that is not helping—"
Myers said: "Myself."
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The Judge continued: "Exactly; there's no point in having probation unless you start working with them openly.
"It's clear alcohol has blighted and made your life problematic.
"There is an issue that needs to be addressed and you're in the driver's seat to make it work."
The judge handed down an overall sentence of 24 weeks but suspended it for 24 months.
As well as compensation of £100 to each of the victims of her assaults, the defendant must pay compensation in the value of all stolen goods, as well as £150 costs.
A four-year CBO was imposed.
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