Woman, 20, accused of assaults in Ipswich and Kesgrave

Amy Louise Garrod appeared before Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

She is facing charges of five counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker and two counts of common assault against emergency workers, which happened in locations in Ipswich and Kesgrave between November 4 and November 14 (Tuesday).

Of those she is accused of having assaulted, five were police officers, one was a paramedic and one was a security guard at an NHS facility.

Miss Garrod is also accused of one count of criminal damage, failing to comply with a community protection notice and causing racially or religiously aggravated distress.

The court heard that Miss Garrod, who has learning difficulties, was suffering from severe mental health difficulties and had been advised not to enter a plea.

The court heard that Miss Garrod did not currently have anywhere to live as she was in the process of collecting her belongings from an address in Princes Street, Ipswich, in order to find somewhere able to offer the level of support she needs.

The court heard that Miss Garrod’s father felt unable to allow her to live with him, due to the presence of younger children and pets. The court heard that he felt “bitter” about the situation, feeling that his daughter had been “let down by mental health services and social care”. He had previously been paying for private accommodation but could not afford to continue doing so.

The court adjourned for some hours in the hope that accommodation could be found for Miss Garrod. However, nowhere could be found.

Presiding magistrates told Miss Garrod that they had “properly considered” granting her bail but felt that the risk of her reoffending was too great, saying: “We are sorry, Miss Garrod – we tried our best.”

She was therefore remanded in custody until her trial at Ipswich Crown Court commences in December.