A THURROCK woman who spat in the mouth of a police officer and said she had AIDS has been spared jail after pleading guilty to assault.

The incident happened on 6 August last year in Grays where Michelle Walker, 36, of Crammavill Street, Grays, confronted the officer.

When she appeared before Basildon magistrates Walker admitted her guilt and was given a 12 week prison sentence - but magistrates suspended it for 12 months.

She was ordered to pay the officer £250 in compensation but was not ordered to pay costs or a victim surcharge as magistrates decided she had a lack of means and the priority was to the victim of the