Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Lanarkshire Live

Lanarkshire woman's Covid claims sparked chaos with police

Police officers had to self-isolate after a rowdy prisoner claimed she was suffering from Covid-19.

Their vehicles had to be deep-cleaned and other officers took Rebecca Armstrong on a 32-mile round trip to hospital in snowy conditions - only to find she had tested negative for the virus.

Armstrong, 18, of Staffa Drive, Airdrie, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week.

She admitted threatening or abusive behaviour in Innerleithen Drive, Coltness, on February 10 last year.

Armstrong also admitted assaulting a police officer and making a false claim about Covid-19.

The court heard police officers went to a house in Innerleithen Drive around 3.20am.

Armstrong was upstairs with a male who was arrested.

Abby Seal, prosecuting, said: “On seeing this, Armstrong began to scream uncontrollably.

“She was shouting and swearing at the officers and took a particular dislike to one police officer.

“She told him she hoped he and his weans would die.

“Armstrong was arrested and, without provocation, spat on the officer’s arm. She also tried to headbutt him and made comments about the IRA.

“She said she had tested positive for Covid-19 the previous week and told the officer ‘I hope you get the Covid and die’.”

Armstrong’s comments resulted in “extensive disruption” to police activities.

Ms Beal explained: “The officers present had to self-isolate immediately and various police vehicles were deep-cleaned and taken off the road.

“Other officers made a 32-mile round trip through thick snow to Hairmyres Hospital where Armstrong provided a negative COVID-19 test.

“She was charged with various offences and replied ‘I don’t give a f***'."

Armstrong is currently on a community payback order imposed at Airdrie Sheriff Court for assault.

Sentence on the latest charges was deferred until next month.

She was allowed to remain on bail but Sheriff John Speir imposed a 7pm curfew on her.

*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.