A WOMAN shouting abuse in a police station felt she was a victim and should have been given help, Burnley magistrates heard.

The court was told how Tracey Sullivan, 37, was later involved in a melee in the street, shouting at occupants of a house. She was later arrested.

Sullivan, of Burnley Road, Padiham, was conditionally discharged for 12 months, with £55 costs, after admitting using threatening behaviour.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said an officer at the station was trying to get the defendant to tell him what she was complaining about, but she was swearing repeatedly.

Three or four minutes later, she as shouting at the house occupants, with who she had had an altercation the night before.

Rachel Hodgson, defending, said the evening before Sullivan's flat had been wrecked by her boyfriend's brother. She was very upset as her belongings had been destroyed.

She felt the police were not giving her help and support and left the station believing they were not going to assist her.

She accepted using abusive language, but had difficulty coming to terms with the fact it is her who ended up in court.

Mrs Hodgson added: "She felt she should have been given help and support. She feels she is the victim, that is why she was upset."