A GREAT Yarmouth woman who tried to throw herself in front of a train had been drinking after a custody row over her children.Elizabeth Covington was drunk when she attempted to hurl herself in front of a freight train at Ipswich station, magistrates heard.

A GREAT Yarmouth woman who tried to throw herself in front of a train had been drinking after a custody row over her children.

Elizabeth Covington was drunk when she attempted to hurl herself in front of a freight train at Ipswich station, magistrates heard.

The 56-year-old from Middle Market Road was given a 12-month conditional discharge after she pleaded guilty on Monday to entering a railway while unfit and assaulting a police constable.

Colette Griffiths, prosecuting, said the incident happened at about 3.40pm on Tuesday, January 13.

“She jumped in front of a passing freight train but was detained by National Express staff,” she said.

“Police were called and it emerged she was heavily intoxicated as a result of a custody battle between her son and his ex-partner.”

Ms Griffiths said that while en route to Bury St Edmunds police station Covington, who was in the back seat, kicked out at the driver, momentarily blocking his view.

At the time the police vehicle was being driven at around 100mph with blue lights flashing Covington's actions in the car could potentially have been a dangerous incident.

Declan Gallagher, mitigating, said his client had struggled with a drink problem since the age of 13.

“We accept she has something of a drink problem but when she looks after them (her children) she stays sober.”

Ipswich Magistrate' Court also ordered Covington to pay �60 costs.