Magistrates' lecture for dozy defendant

Yvonne Gibson, from Leigh, appeared in Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after previously admitting two charges of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

Gibson was supposed to be in court for sentencing but the report which should have been completed was not ready due to her missing the meeting with probation.

The 41-year-old’s case was adjourned for a report but Gibson, of Heaton Street, was sternly lectured by the magistrates who told her they could have proceeded with the sentence without the report.

The bench told her: “We discussed what we were going to do and all three of us said independently we were going to make a warrant.

“That is how important it is for you to turn up for your next appointment.”

Defending, Louise Barrow said Gibson had not been in trouble with the law before and had not realised the seriousness of the probation meeting.

She will now return to Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court on February 26.