A woman has been spared a prison sentence after throwing a hymn book, spitting and attempting to bite a man.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to common assault, possessing an offensive weapon, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage to a hymn book, after bursting into a Catholic church on Friday 13th March.

Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard that police officers were called to St Mary’s Church shortly before 6pm, after a member of the public reported the woman screaming, swearing and throwing a hymn book.

Onlookers had attempted to restrain her, but she lashed out and attempted to bite a man.

The woman’s defence solicitor, Niall O’Neill, described her as a “spiritual person” who had experienced periods of homelessness.

He told the Court she was “suitably chastened” and “a lady on the margins", but acknowledged that the behaviour had been “unedifying”.

“She is not someone who would have any disrespect for the church or any of the vessels mentioned,” he added.

Judge Alan White sentenced her to a suspended sentence of five months, stating:

“I’m giving you a break because I find it extraordinary that somebody of your age should go into custody the first time they appear before a court. You deserve one chance.”