A mother of six who kicked the windows of a Garda car with her high heels when she was arrested on Christmas night has escaped going to jail.
Melissa Darby was arrested by Gardai in Ballybofey when they pulled in a car on suspected dangerous driving at 5.40am on December 26th.
Ms Darby, aged 31 years, who was a pack-seat passenger, became aggressive and abused Gardai before being arrested.
Letterkenny District Court was told that when she was put into the Garda patrol car, she continued to be aggressive and damaged the seat of the car, tried to kick the windows with her high heels and also attacked rubber seals on the car.
She was eventually pepper-sprayed by Gardai to bring her under control.
Solicitor Frank Dorrian said his client was out with friends and did have an issue with alcohol.
Judge Paul Kelly asked Ms Darby if she gave any thought to her young children while she was acting in such a manner and did she understand that she was putting them in jeopardy.
He said she could well find herself in a different part of the court if she continued to act in such a manner.
The court was told that Ms Darby had two previous convictions, one for having no car insurance and also a public order offence.
Judge Kelly fined Ms Darby €150 under the public order charge and applied the probation act for damage to the patrol car.