A woman has avoided jail after a string of offences where she caused damage to a university campus with a screwdriver.

Casey Taylor-Holloway was found with a screwdriver at the University of Southampton campus where she caused damage on October 28. She was stopped by police and then arrested.

Southampton Crown Court also heard police were called to Westquay where the 31-year-old of Harefield Road was found with a metal pole outside John Lewis on October 31.

The court also heard on one occasion officers were called to the shopping centre where she was making threats to staff with a key held in between her knuckles.

She was approached by the staff and then attempted to headbutt the member of staff.

Casey Taylor-Holloway leaving Southampton Crown CourtCasey Taylor-Holloway leaving Southampton Crown Court (Image: NQ, Jose Ramos)

She was also found to be acting in a drunk and disorderly manner on November 17 and assaulted a police officer.

In a victim statement, the officer said: “Even though I didn’t receive any injuries I was left upset.”

He added: “I was trying to understand why she was upset and didn’t expect her reaction.”

She also pleaded guilty to possessing a kitchen knife on Belmont Road on March 5, 2024, and a snooker cue on Shaftesbury Avenue on October 8.

Mitigating, Grace McConnell explained how Taylor-Holloway, who she described as a “lady with complex needs”, has had no previous convictions since 2014.

She said: “She is being supported by the community mental health team and is engaging well.”

She asked the judge to consider any court orders not to affect her engagement with the support.

Sentencing, Judge Nicholas Rowland explained she would not be sent to prison immediately in order not to obstruct her engagement.

He said: “These incidents were a cry for help on your part.

“I very much hope that the progress that you’re making very much continues.

“A lot of the people you were threatening were people there to help the public and serve which is why these offences are so serious.”