Barrow Woman Sentenced After Taking Baseball Bat to Dispute
A Barrow woman has been sentenced after she took a baseball bat to the home of another woman during a dispute.
Julie Cottier, 59, of Risedale Road, Barrow, appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on May 14th. She had pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
The incident happened on March 25th, when Cottier went to the home of a female acquaintance while carrying a baseball bat. Police were called and she was arrested at the scene.
Magistrates were told the incident was linked to a dispute involving another person. Cottier’s solicitor said she had acted on impulse and that her behaviour was out of character.
She was given a 12-month community order and must complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days. She was also fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
What happened?
Prosecutor Peter Kelly told the court that Cottier had gone to the woman’s home while in possession of the baseball bat.
The court heard that her actions were likely to cause concern to other people present. Possessing a weapon in public, even if it is not used, is treated seriously because of the risk and fear it can create.
Police attended the scene and Cottier was arrested.
She later admitted possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
Defence said she was trying to calm the situation
Cottier was represented by duty solicitor Shaun Harkin.
He told the court she had acted impulsively. He said she had been trying to de-escalate a situation involving an associate who had become involved in a dispute with the victim.
Mr Harkin said the behaviour was out of character for Cottier.
However, the court still had to consider the seriousness of taking a baseball bat to the scene of a dispute.
Probation report requested
Before passing sentence, magistrates asked for a pre-sentence report from probation services.
These reports help the court understand a defendant’s background, personal circumstances and risk of further offending. They can also help magistrates decide whether a community sentence, treatment requirement or other order may be suitable.
During the hearing, a probation officer told the court that Cottier had a history of drug use.
The court heard she used cocaine weekly and also took unprescribed diazepam.
Cottier said she wanted to begin a detoxification programme. However, she was found to be unsuitable for a drug rehabilitation requirement as part of her sentence.
Sentence handed down
Magistrates gave Cottier a 12-month community order.
As part of the order, she must complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days. These are often used to help offenders address behaviour, personal issues or problems linked to offending.
She was also fined £200.
In addition, she must pay:
- £85 in court costs
- £114 victim surcharge
This means the total financial penalty comes to £399.
Warning over addiction
Charles Crewdson, chair of the bench, warned Cottier about her ongoing addiction.
The court made clear that substance misuse remained a serious issue and needed to be addressed. Drug use can increase the risk of poor decisions, impulsive behaviour and further contact with the criminal justice system.
The case shows how quickly a dispute can become more serious when a weapon is involved.
Although Cottier’s solicitor said she was trying to calm the situation, taking a baseball bat to another person’s home led to a criminal conviction, a community order and financial penalties.
Magistrates stressed the seriousness of her actions and the possible consequences of her substance abuse.
