A woman with a history of criminal behavior had her jail sentence extended after she swore at a judge who sentenced her to eight weeks. Angela Shand, who has been in court 60 times, showed her middle finger to Judge Mark Watson at Nottingham Crown Court and refused to apologize for her outburst. Consequently, the judge added more time to her sentence.
Judge Watson highlighted Shand’s long record of troubling Nottinghamshire Constabulary officers and stressed her lack of respect for law enforcement. He emphasized her disruptive behavior towards public servants, particularly police officers.
Shand’s courtroom behavior is not unique, as other offenders like Constance Marten have faced repercussions for their actions during trials. The judge admonished Shand for failing to acknowledge the humanity of police officers and for causing disturbances instead of cooperating with authorities.
Despite being given the chance to express remorse, Shand continued to be defiant, leading to a further extension of her jail term. The judge cited her disrespectful language and gestures towards the court as reasons for the added punishment.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Shand had assaulted a police officer and used racial slurs against another officer. She pleaded guilty to these charges, which occurred earlier in the year. Shand’s extensive criminal record includes numerous offenses against law enforcement and judicial personnel.
Shand’s defense lawyer acknowledged her volatile temperament but highlighted her efforts to seek support from the Arena Church in Ilkeston. He emphasized her regret for her courtroom behavior and her desire to avoid exacerbating her situation.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with individuals like Shand and highlights the importance of respect and cooperation in legal proceedings.