A woman who was caught performing a sex act with another woman in a shop doorway as children walked to school went on to assault a police officer in another incident. 40-year-old Sarah Crawford was heavily intoxicated after attending an all-night party when she was involved in a "sex act" with Rosalind Fitzgerald near a store on York Road, in Birtley.

Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard that the pair took part in the sex act at 8.45am and in full view of members of the public. Children were also in the area.

But only last month, Crawford was again in trouble with the police following an outburst in Durham city centre. The court heard that the 40-year-old assaulted a police officer after throwing items of shop stock in the street. When she was taken to a police cell, she defecated inside it, causing damage.

On Friday, Crawford, of no fixed address, appeared at the court via link from HMP Durham to be sentenced for outraging public decency, a public order offence, criminal damage, and assaulting a police officer. She had pleaded guilty to the offences.

The court heard that on December 11 last year, police received reports that Crawford and Fitzgerald were "engaging in sexual activity" in Birtley. Chike Anieto, prosecuting, said: "Children were present in the area. A witness says it was the other party and the defendant performing a sex act.

"The defendant then proceeded to urinate. Following this incident police attended and arrested the defendant. There were extensive calls to police by other members of the public about what was going on in the area."

At a hearing in May this year, Fitzgerald was given a 12-month community order and fined £120 for her involvement in the bizarre incident.

On June 18 this year, Crawford was again in trouble with the law when police were called to Durham city centre. Mr Anieto said: "The defendant left a store and started throwing items of stock in the street.

She said 'I'm going to raze every shop in Durham'. Police attended and tried to arrest her.

"She kicked backwards, striking an officer in the right knee. Following this, the defendant was taken to the police station and into cells. She then defecated in the cells, causing over £64 damage to clean."

The court was told Crawford had four previous convictions for four offences. Andrew O'Hanlon, defending, said she was "ashamed and embarrassed" at her behaviour.

He said: "She understands what she's done. She's embarrassed and sorry." Regarding the June offences, Mr O'Hanlon said they were preceded by a "breakdown". He added: "She had previously taken an overdose and had taken some stimulants. Her behaviour in the police station is regrettable, she fully understands what she's done - she needs help."

Crawford told the court that she no longer wants to drink alcohol, saying: "I no longer want that life anymore". District Judge Kate Meek adjourned the sentencing so that a pre-sentence report could be done.

Crawford was granted conditional bail and must return to the court on Tuesday, July 29 for sentence. The report will also determine whether she is suitable for an alcohol treatment programme.