A TRAINED opera singer has been given a suspended prison sentence after ripping a police officer's Covid mask off and spitting at another during a drunken altercation.

Roya Todeva, 43 and from Meadow Farm Drive, Shrewsbury, was arrested on January 7 after assaulting her husband at his house in Whitchurch.

Appearing in Telford Magistrates Court on Wednesday, April 14, Todeva was sentenced having previously pleaded guilty to common assault and assaulting a constable in the execution of their duty.

The court heard that Todeva's husband, who lived separately in Whitchurch, had called the police after being attacked.

When police arrived at the scene Todeva – who is originally from Bulgaria but who has spent eight years living in the UK – assaulted one of the officers by ripping off their face mask.

Todeva was arrested and taken to Shrewsbury Police Station, where she then spat at another police officer, with saliva landing on the officer's vest.

The court also heard that Todeva was an alcoholic, which was why her and her husband lived at separate addresses.

Defending Todeva, Paul Hyatt said she deserved 'credit' for submitting an early guilty plea.

"She has lived in England for eight years and lives at a different address to her husband as they are both alcoholics," said Mr Hyatt.

"She trained as an opera singer in Bulgaria but is currently unemployed but would like to teach languages.

"She has taken responsibility for her actions and I think she deserves credit for submitting an early guilty plea.

"I suggest an 18 month community order, plus alcohol treatment and a curfew or a suspended sentence with conditions."

Presiding over the hearing, magistrate Emma Kidson said the incident 'crossed the threshold' of a prison sentence but held back from sending her down straight away.

"Your crime crosses the custodial sentence threshold," said Ms Kidson.

"You don't want to go to prison.

"I urge you to use the support offered to you and turn your life around."

Ms Kidson handed Todeva a three-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months to be served concurrently alongside a community order from a previous offence.

Todeva was also given a six-month curfew between the hours of 7pm and 7am, and was ordered to undergo a six-month alcohol rehabilitation programme.

She was also ordered to pay £50 in compensation to each of the officers as well as costs to the court.