LUCY Churchill scratched, kicked and spat at a paramedic before hitting a police officer, a court heard.

Churchill, 22, was found unconscious on a bus travelling from Stonehouse to Stroud on Friday, March 13.

Prosecuting at Stroud Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, Sharon Green explained how the bus driver was concerned and pulled over to dial 999.

When paramedics arrived they thought Churchill was suffering from a drug overdose and were about to inject her with a heroin stabiliser when she came round, Ms Green explained.

Churchill, of Westrip, Stroud, then kicked, scratched and spat in the face of the paramedic while swearing at him.

After being arrested she hit a police officer on the head.

Ms Green read a statement from the paramedic who said he was 'disgusted' by her behaviour.

Matthew Harbinson, for the defence, said Churchill had been drinking in a pub in Stonehouse on the final day of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

However, she did not remember falling unconscious, and believed her drink had been spiked, he told the court.

"When she came round the bus driver and paramedic were holding her down while holding a syringe to her arm and an oxygen mask was covering her face," said Mr Harbinson.

"Considering Churchill has a phobia of needles this scared her immensely and she hit out without thinking."

Mr Harbinson said Churchill was walking away from the police officer when he grabbed her arm, causing her to lash out.

Churchill pleaded guilty to one count of assault and one of assaulting a police constable.

The case was adjourned and Churchill will be sentenced at Stroud Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, May 6.