A WOMAN with a history of abusive behaviour left staff and onlookers shocked after shouting at staff at a council office and a Jobcentre.

Doreen Cook had only been out of prison for three days when she was arrested at the offices of Torridge District Council and police were called to the Jobcentre in Bude the next day.

The 56-year-old reoffended after being freed on appeal at Exeter Crown Court when a 28-week sentence for making 129 calls to the police or ambulance was cut to 14 weeks.

She remained subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CRO) which she broke by becoming abusive at the council offices on October 23 and the Jobcentre on October 24.

Cook, of Stanhope Close, Holsworthy, admitted two counts of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order, and was made subject of a hospital order by Judge Timothy Rose at Exeter Crown Court.

He told her: “You breached the order by your verbal conduct towards staff and members of the public. It is obvious you have had issues over the past few years which have led to a number of court appearances.

“These offences were committed more or less as soon as you were released but you have problems with your mental health and it is time for this to be treated.”

He ordered she should be treated at a mental hospital in Warrington, Cheshire, until she is well enough to be released back to her home in Holsworthy with appropriate support in the community.

Mr Joss Ticehurst, prosecuting, said the CRO was made last year after a series of incidents, mainly involving calls to the emergency services.

She broke it by being verbally abusive at the council offices in Bideford and Bude on successive days.

Mr Rupert Taylor, defending, said two psychiatric reports agreed that Cook is suffering from bi-polar affected disorder but should be able to be treated in the community with adequate support.

He said: “Her illness is not something she has brought upon herself and it can be managed if she takes medication and receives treatment so she does not spiral into ill health and difficulties.

“There is demonstrable remorse and concern for the risk factors. She is agreeable to working to treat her illness and it is hoped she will receive the support she needs in the future.”