A WOMAN who grabbed the groin of a security guard during an attack was jailed after stating she is unable to cope outside of prison.

Elizabeth Holmes, 26, was sentenced to 168 days in jail after appearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday.

She previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a security guard by grabbing and squeezing his groin, kicking him on the body and striking him on the hand with a pen.

The court heard that the attack took place on January 21 this year, at around 3.40pm, in the Tesco store at St Enoch’s Shopping Centre.

Holmes’ lawyer explained that she was breaking items within the shop and was restrained to the ground when the assault took place on the male employee.

He added: “She has suffered from trauma in her younger life and has serious mental health problems.

“She doesn’t feel like she is capable to cope within the community.

“If she remains in the community she will reoffend.

“She has spent a substantial amount of time in custody. Ms Holmes will be appearing at Paisley Sheriff Court shortly in relation to another matter.”

Sheriff Valerie Mays told Holmes: “Given the fact you’re not in a position to carry on in the community, prison is the only option.”

Holmes was sentenced to 168 days.