A DRUNK woman with hepatitis C spat at a Royal Bolton Hospital security guard after she was abusive in A&E.

Michelle Edwards, aged 37, became abusive to staff on March 5 while getting a bandage changed for a wound.

Steve Woodman, prosecuting at Bolton Magistrates Court, said security staff were asked to escort Edwards from the hospital at about 4.45pm because of her behaviour.

Mr Woodman said: “While walking though A&E, where there were a number of children. She spat in the face of Stephen Coleman, a security guard. She told a police officer ‘I’m going to give it to you too’.”

He added that Edwards had been drinking a three litre bottle of Frosty Jack cider prior to her spitting at Mr Coleman. She had no recollection of the incident.

Mr Woodman said the victim has an anxious wait for blood test results to see if he has contracted infectious hepatitis C.

Edwards, of Cecilia Street, Great Lever, has committed 47 previous offences and was sentenced last month for being drunk while caring for a child.

Rahil Khan, defending, said: “It is most unfortunate. She is somebody who suffers from hepatitis C.

“What she does tell me is that you can’t contract the condition through saliva. I hope sincerely that is so and so does Ms Edwards.”

He said Edwards suffers from depression. He said she has been “overwhelmed by her personal position” .

Mr Khan said she has been working with a drug and alcohol team.

Edwards admitted common assault. She was sentenced to a 12-week jail term, suspended for 12 months.

She must also comply with a 12-week curfew between 7pm and 7am and was ordered to pay £400 compensation to Mr Coleman.