A DRUNK woman said voices in her head ordered her to attack security staff and police officers at St Mary's Hospital in Newport.

Sophie Gallagher, of St John's Road, Newport, admitted five assaults of an emergency worker by beating — three of them hospital security staff and the other two, police officers — on September 23.

On that evening, Gallagher was taken to hospital, drunk, after she was seen walking in front of traffic.

After being checked over and offered a mental health assessment, Gallagher became angry at being in hospital and became aggressive towards hospital staff.

Security were called in and Gallagher, 18, tried to break out via a fire exit in the staff canteen, said Ann Smout, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Gallagher was restrained to stop her from escaping and her assessment continued.

She then lashed out at security staff and tried to run out again — trying to push one of the officers, Andrew Jackson, out of the way.

After she seemingly calmed down, Gallagher lashed out again — swinging at security officers Greg Temby and Alex Hollingsworth, who were forced to restrain her.

Gallagher than charged at Mr Hollingsworth and struck his left eye. The two men then had to restrain her on the floor as she kicked out.

Mr Jackman assisted and was kicked in the groin.

While being restrained, Gallagher threatened to get the officers killed and she spat at them, the court heard.

After further episodes of restraint and Gallagher lashing and kicking out, the police took over.

Gallagher was restrained several times by PC Dominic Rann and PC Conor Harpham following her attempts to strike and bite them. She was eventually arrested.

In interview, Gallagher said: "I didn't mean to do it — if I did."

She said she drank wine, argued with her mother and heard voices in her head.

"She said she was really sorry for her behaviour, but the voices told her to lash out," said Mrs Smout.

PC Harpham said the assault on him had left him shaken.

"I go out to help people. I don't expect to get assaulted like that by someone I'm trying to help," he added.

For Gallagher, Oscar Vincent said she had little recall of the incident and her behaviour could be explained by pre-existing diagnosed conditions and the trauma of the recent loss of her father, aunt and grandfather.

"She acted recklessly to a perceived threat of danger or provocation.

"She is already taking steps to address her behaviour, alcohol and trauma issues so this kind of thing doesn't happen again."

The bench considered a report on Gallagher, who appeared with no previous convictions.

They handed her a 12-month probation order, to include 15 rehabilitation sessions and 60 days of alcohol abstinence monitoring.