A Norwich animal rights activist accused of stealing a lamb and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal swore at a prosecution barrister while she was at court, it has emerged.

Gemma Barnes, 33, had been at Norwich Crown Court ahead of a hearing in the case when she branded the prosecutor an "a***hole" in the corridor.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Crown CourtNorwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)Barnes, of St Leonards Road, Norwich, appeared on Wednesday (November 15) for a contempt of court hearing following the incident on August 11 this year.

Chris Youell, prosecuting, said the remark was made "in the vicinity" of prosecution barrister Jude Durr.

He said Barnes accepted she "may well have said these words and if she did, she regrets it".

Barnes faces theft and causing unnecessary suffering charges after posting pictures on social media that showed her posing with lambs and saying they had been "liberated" following the incident in Norwich on April 11.

Eastern Daily Press: Gemma BarnesGemma Barnes (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)Barnes is also accused of the intimidation of police officers who are witnesses in a separate harassment case relating to protests at Norwich Livestock Market on May 23.

Maria Liddiard, representing Barnes, said her client had referred to the prosecution as a "shambles" prior to making the offensive remark, while Mr Durr had his back turned.

Ms Liddiard said Barnes had expressed regret about any offence caused to Mr Durr and asked that "no further action be taken".

Judge Katharine Moore said the court "takes extremely seriously any incident that amounts to a contempt of court".

Eastern Daily Press: Judge Katharine MooreJudge Katharine Moore (Image: Newsquest)She said that "advocates at court fulfilling their professional duties are entitled to do so in an appropriate environment" without words such as "a***hole" being "said loudly in their presence".

Judge Moore said she would take no further action on this occasion but warned Barnes it gave her "no sort of immunity from poor behaviour going forward".

She said: "This court will not tolerate any other outbursts aimed at a prosecutor or those trying to fulfil their professional duties."

Judge Moore added: "It's simply not acceptable for you or anyone else to throw insults at advocates".

Barnes was told to do her "level best to remain calm around the court building".

She must next appear at the crown court on January 26.