A homeless woman with mental issues became overly excited in a bank office on the 25th of March in the city of Granada; it wasn't the first time.

Things went a bit ballistic when she began hammering away with her bag at two police officers, who had arrived to quieten her down and escort her off the premises. As a result, a judge handed down a 6-month suspended sentence. However, an appeals court examined the case closely, taking into account her mental perturbations, and changed the verdict to just a fine of 180 euros.

The incident took place around 10.30h in the morning of the aforementioned day, which was when the officers from the Policía Nacional arrived after receiving a call for assistance from the bank manager. Why? Because the woman turns up just about every day and starts shouting, demanding explanations as to why her pension hasn’t arrived in her account. Obviously, this upsets customers and bank staff alike.

The police arrived unaware that she has a criminal record for family abuse and for petty larceny. The officers extracted the woman from inside and were standing at the entrance with the woman and the bank manager, who expressed his intention of pressing charges. Accordingly, the officers asked for her ID but she only offered a false Christian name. The officers responded by telling her that she had to accompany them to the police station. She said, no way, and grabbed her large raffia bag within which she kept her possession and made to walk off.

An officer grabbed her arm to stop her and received a broadside of blows from the bag. She was immediately arrested.

The appeals judge considered that the woman had resisted arrest because she was unaware of the reality of the situation given her mental issues. In fact, on the day that the appeal was heard, she refused to enter the courtroom, despite her lawyer’s advice.

(News: City & Metropolitan Area, Granada, Andalucia)