A 14-year-old girl threw herself onto the bonnet of a police car then attacked a woman officer after threatening to kill her, a court heard. The teenager became angry after the officer and her colleague arrested a man who had been seen threatening a group of people with a metal bar in Swindon on December 30 last year.

Prosecutor Frank Murphy said a friend of the girl attempted to lead her away, but as the police officers were driving away she ran out into the path of the police car and jumped onto the bonnet, shouting that the officers had better leave or she would kill them.

WPC Sarah Scott pulled her off the bonnet of the car and handcuffed her and the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, lashed out, kicking her in the groin.

Mr Murphy said the officer was doubled over in pain and suffered bruising to her upper thigh and groin area.

The teenager pleaded guilty to assaulting the police officer and to using threatening words against the police when she appeared in Swindon Magistrates Court on January 12.

She appeared in the court for sentencing yesterday.

Defending the 14-year-old, Lee Mott said she had been protecting her brother who she believed was under threat. Her family had faced difficulties and the teenager's reaction was due to that.

"She has developed a coping mechanism of fighting back, fighting fire with fire," Mr Mott said.

"She is not one to huddle up and go into a corner and that has landed her in these difficulties.

"She had no intention to do any harm or damage but she was extremely frustrated by the situation.

"She is not a girl to back down in the face of adversity.

"The situation is unacceptable and she realises that."

The chairwoman of the bench, Susan Wolfe-Barry, ordered the girl to pay £50 compensation to WPC Scott by March 18 and to follow a three-month action plan.

This involves working with the Swindon Youth Offending Team and taking part in the activities they organise for her.

Mrs Wolfe-Barry also urged her to continue with her education.

Diana Milne