A MENTALLY ill woman walked into Leigh Library after cutting her wrists and tried to hurl herself from the stairs.

When Louise Roberts was later arrested she and struggled so violently she broke the handcuffs.

She also bit a policewoman, drawing blood and told her she had Hepatitis C.

Roberts, aged 21, of Whistley Street, Platt Bridge, appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence after earlier admitting unlawful wounding and two charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Prosecutor Maisie Burke said Roberts walked into Leigh Library and as she walked upstairs she shouted: "get me an ambulance" and then had to be restrained by the caretaker as she tried to throw herself from the staircase.

She was arrested, handcuffed and taken to a police van but began to shout and struggle. Two officers were bitten and Roberts claimed she had Hepatitis C and fought so furiously she broke the handcuffs.

She also said she was pregnant and depressed.

The officer she bit was treated at hospital and given antibiotics and a tetanus jab. She had suffered post traumatic stress symptoms but had now recovered.

Roberts' previous criminal record included two assaults against police.

Alexander Martin said that Roberts had a personality disorder and suffered from a mental illness. She had since given birth in prison.

On the day in question she had cut her wrists and had got drunk after being treated at hospital.

Judge John Roberts said that normally such serious offences would merit a prison sentence but having listened to the medical evidence he made a Hospital Order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983.