Nicola Jane Street, 44, and Lee James Street, 18, both of Manchester Road, were out in Chapel-en-le-Frith in the early hours of April 24 when he became embroiled in an altercation with another male.

High Peak Magistrates' Court heard how Lee Street was abusive and resisted police attempts to handcuff him, forcing officers to spray him with CS gas. His mother became involved, kicking officers, making threats and being abusive.

Lee admitted threatening behaviour and resisting an officer in the execution of her duty, while Nicola admitted using threatening behaviour, assaulting three police officers and resisting an officer in the execution of his duty.

Kieran Henry, defending, said: "It's sad to see people of good character, well respected people, coming before the court for the first time.

"It is all down to one night of madness. Lee was trying to prevent a criminal offence taking place. He was trying to stop a drunken man from driving a car.

"Because this person took exception at that he got a slap. Police arrested Lee because he was trying to defend himself from this maniac who was trying to get into the car. The situation then spiralled out of all proportion."

Mr Henry stressed none of the officers had suffered injuries which stopped them from carrying out their duties, and criticised the way police handled the situation – but prosecutor John Cooper dismissed this, saying: "The police were trying to defuse a potentially difficult public order incident. The Crown doesn't accept any criticism of the police whatsoever."

Sentencing Nicola Street to a 12-month community order, with a requirement to complete 270 hours' unpaid work, Chairman of the Bench Gerry Walliss said her actions had fallen "below the standard that was expected of good citizens". He ordered her to pay £50 compensation to each officer, as well as £60 court costs.

Mr Walliss told her son "What turned out to be an honourable act in trying to prevent your friend from getting into his motor car and driving while under the influence of alcohol finished off with nothing short of a brawl in the street.

"Your attitude towards the police was despicable. It is not the right way to act towards public servants."

Lee Street received a 12-month community order with a requirement to carry out 80 hours' unpaid work. He must also pay £60 costs.