A WOMAN who was spared prison for spitting at police has been jailed over another abusive incident.

Jane Challenger-Gillett spouted racist abuse at a police officer and tried to punch another when she was in custody.

The 55-year-old had been a lecturer at the University of Brighton, but is understood to have left her post following a conviction in April where she spat at police and made coronavirus threats.

Challenger-Gillett, of Charlotte Street, Brighton, had been spared jail because she had a vulnerable partner and had been battling a drink problem.

But last month police were called to an address in Brighton and she made the racist comments.

The Argus:

She appeared at Brighton Magistrates’ Court where she was ordered to serve six months in prison because of her repeated crimes.

Challenger-Gillett has previous convictions for drink-driving and attacking police.

Brighton and Hove division Chief Inspector Roy Hodder said: “Our officers and staff should not have to deal with being assaulted while carrying out their duties to protect the public.

“It is not the first time that they have faced violence, abuse and the threat of contamination which was despicable and obviously distressing when dealing with Jane Challenger-Gillet.

“We hope this conviction goes to show that any such behaviour will not be tolerated.”