A SERIAL offender with a history of 'particularly mean crimes' has received a further jail sentence after spitting at a sheriff during a court hearing.

Tammy Kerr refused to turn up at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week to learn her punishment for the assault on Sheriff Nicola Patrick earlier this year, with her lawyer stating that her behaviour 'will be exceptionally bad' if she were to be present in the dock.

The 35-year-old's guilty pleas - to assault and threatening or abusive behaviour charges - were instead tendered on her behalf by solicitor Neil McPherson.

Currently a prisoner at HMP Stirling, it was in fact a court appearance on April 19 which landed Kerr another date at Kilmarnock.

Procurator fiscal depute Jaide Podlesny told a sentencing hearing that Sheriff Patrick had been presiding over the custody court and Kerr appeared in handcuffs in relation to separate offences.

The prosecution then provided their stance on whether to admit the woman to bail - asking that this be refused.

Kerr was then asked to stand, at which time the court's fiscal depute from that day heard the sound of phlegm gathering in her throat.

They then heard spit – which was aimed at Sheriff Patrick - land on the desk nearby. At this time, she was heard to shout “and you can take that”.

Kerr was then led out of the dock, at which time she began to shout further obscenities towards the legal officials within the courtroom.

She said “yous are all the f*****g same” and “my man’s f*****g dying” before turning to her legal representative, who was told “you’re sacked”.

Mr McPherson explained that Kerr was absent as she "admitted that she will not appear at court” - and a video link was unable to be provided.

"Her behaviour will be exceptionally bad if she is to come to court," the solicitor added.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I was not the agent on that date.”

The lawyer also said that Kerr has a history of “particularly mean crimes” and is currently serving a 42-month sentence which began in April this year.

He added that during her time in custody so far, she is benefitting from the "great work being done just now with women" at Stirling prison.

Before Sheriff George Jamieson passed judgement, Mr McPherson asked him to consider the lengthy jail-term already being served.

Sheriff Jamieson sentenced Kerr to a period of 33 months in prison, however, this will run concurrently to her present period in custody - meaning it will not impact the time she spends behind bars.