Lorraine Merriman, 46, had broken into the flat on St Helen’s Road on the evening of July 20. The family, who had been out with their young child, came back to discover smashed items, food taken from the kitchen, clothes pulled from drawers and toys scattered across the floor.
The damage was so extensive they were unable to stay in the property that night.
After spotting Merriman inside, the family left immediately and called police. Officers arrived and arrested her on suspicion of burglary.
Prosecutor Dean Pulling told Swansea Crown Court that Merriman smelled strongly of alcohol and “had trouble standing up”. During the journey to custody she became “highly abusive” towards the arresting officers, calling one “a dirty, noncey P**”, “a dirty little P***”, and a “black b******”.
Once at the police station, she threatened to bite an officer before spitting on the arm of a female constable.
The court heard Merriman had 16 previous offences, including theft and criminal damage, and was already serving a two-year community order imposed in October 2024 for battery.
In interview, she answered “no comment” to all questions.
Defending, Dan Griffiths said his client “remembers absolutely nothing about what she did, which is probably a good thing given her appalling behaviour”. He added: “She describes herself as disgusted. In the circumstances the only thing she can do is offer an apology to the family concerned and the officers who arrested her, in particular the officer she abused.”
Recorder Simon Stephenson told Merriman her actions were so serious that only an immediate prison sentence was appropriate.
Merriman, of Clas y Bedw, Waunarlwydd, had previously admitted burglary with intent to cause criminal damage, a racially aggravated public order offence, and assaulting a police constable. She was jailed for 27 months.
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