A 35-year-old mother has been handed a 12-month community order after pleading guilty to seven counts of assaulting emergency workers and one count of criminal damage. The incidents, which occurred in Greenhithe and Folkestone, were attributed by the defence to "classic cannabis psychotic episodes" exacerbated by a volatile domestic environment.
The Incidents
Folkestone Magistrates' Court heard that the defendant, Jade Saward, was suffering from severe mental distress during two separate incidents in November 2025 and May 2026. Prosecutors detailed that during her arrest in Greenhithe, Saward—who was fleeing a domestic abuse situation—lashed out at officers, resulting in bites and kicks. A second incident at Folkestone Police Station saw further physical altercations, including the breaking of a police officer's watch strap.
The Role of Cannabis and Mental Health
Probation reports presented to the court highlighted that Saward was struggling with a daily cannabis habit and the use of crack cocaine while living in a coercive and controlling relationship. A probation officer noted that Saward believed officers intended to harm her during the episodes, describing the behaviour as a "classic psychotic episode on cannabis."
Sentencing and Rehabilitation
Magistrates acknowledged that the violence was out of character for the defendant, who had no previous convictions. The court opted for a 12-month community order, which includes a mandatory drug rehabilitation requirement.
This case highlights the ongoing debate regarding the intersection of unregulated cannabis use, mental health, and policing. While the court focused on the immediate criminal behaviour, the inclusion of a drug rehabilitation requirement reflects a shift toward addressing the underlying substance use issues rather than relying solely on custodial sentencing.
Source: KentOnline
