Irene Rutland faces charges of theft, criminal damage and wounding a police officer. The officer was called to a restaurant after Mrs. Rutland was involved in an argument over what she considered an excessive bill. The prosecution argue that she was in a drunken rage and struck the officer while resisting arrest. She was also found in possession of a handbag belonging to another woman - Linda Brightson - and she is also charged with theft of this item and damage to the restaurant. The Defence accept there was a disagreement but argue Mrs. Rutland did not steal the handbag and that the officer was injured by accident.

Linda Brightson accuses the defendant of taking her handbag at the Carpenter's Arms. Mrs. Rutland denies the charge, claiming she was looking for a lost her purse. At the restaurant she panicked when owner Spiros Platonos locked the door.

Irene Rutland, attempts to get the two assault charges dropped, by saying she was unaware she was arrested when she hit out. Her employer, Bryan Hodge admits that following the death of her husband she started drinking after work.