A WOMAN narrowly escaped jail after admitting a drunken, racially motivated assualt on a paramedic.

Sharon Burwood, 45, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated assault and a separate charge of assaulting a woman police officer.

She was given two-months in prison, but the sentence was suspended for 18-months, when she appeared before Southend Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The court heard how Burwood drank a bottle of whisky before collapsing unconscious on a bus at 6.15pm, on June 12 this year. Paramedic Dil Patel, whose parents are Indian, was called to the bus outside the Spa pub in Hockley, and revived her.

But Burwood began shouting abuse, including saying: "Don't trust him, he is a foreigner and he shouldn't be here".

She then lunged at Mr Patel, slapping him around the mouth.

Burwood was arrested, but as two female police officers tried to get her to undress in the police cell, she accused them of trying to rape her.

During a struggle, Burwood and PC Laura Farnsworth both crashed into the wall, leaving PC Farnsworth with bruises.

The court was told Burwood, who is unemployed, could not remember what happened after she drank a bottle of whisky at her allotment and was very ashamed about what she did.

Chairman of the bench Reg Ramm, said: "This has been extremely difficult to address because we have to take into account the offences themselves, the effect it's had on others and the punishment.

"I have to say you were extremely close to going into custody today.

"If there is any further reported behaviour, there is no doubt what will happen to you."

He ordered an 18-month supervision order, with an alcohol addiction programme. Burwood must also pay £100 compensation to both Mr Patel and PC Farnsworth and £60 towards prosecution costs.

Speaking after the case, Joy Hale, spokeswoman for the East of England Ambulance Service, said: "The sentence reflects how seriously such abuse is taken."