A WOMAN who accidentally punched a police officer in the face has been ordered to carry out unpaid work.

Sonja Sheret appeared for sentencing last Thursday, February 7, after pleading guilty to the assault on January 9.

Susannah Hutchison, depute fiscal, told Alloa Sheriff Court that at around 3.20am on July 7 of last year, officers on patrol saw an altercation on Mill Street, Alloa, and went over to intervene.

While speaking to the two men involved, Sheret approached the constable from behind before attempting to "clamber over" him in order to punch one of the males.

Instead, the 29-year-old struck the policeman on the eye before being taken away from the scene by the officers where she was arrested.

Kelly Howe, defending Sheret, told the court her client was "immediately remorseful" and the incident came at a time when she had relapsed from illicit substances and alcohol.

Ms Howe added that Sheret "recognised her behaviour was unacceptable", as the court heard she has a record for analogous offences.

Sheriff David Mackie sentenced Sheret, of Stoneyacre, Tillicoultry, to 135 hours of unpaid work.