Sainsbury's staff threatened by shoplifter who pulled out drug needle during thieving spree

The grandmother carried out her spree between March 29 and April 4, walking into the shop and recklessly filling up bags before walking off without paying, Leeds Crown Court heard.

The 40-year-old would often wear a mask and was regularly accompanied by a companion.

In one instance, she threatened a staff member with a needle from her pocket and said she would stab her with it.

Prosecutor Beatrice Allsop told the court: “At 10.57am on 31st March, she went into the shop and took items including shampoo, conditioner and washing powder and left. She was identified as the same woman [as previous occasions].

“The total of the items was £136. Later that day at around 8.20pm she went back to the store and put items into a bag. When a shop worker told her to get out, she turned around, uncovered a needle from her pocket and threatened to stab her with it. She [the staff member] backed off and she saw her threaten another worker.”

Following another visit from Cherowbrier to the store on April 3, police were called and she and the man accompanying her were arrested.

MORE LIKE THIS:

• M&S puts self checkouts in CHANGING ROOMS despite warnings of 'major' shoplifting scourge
• CCTV released of 'dine and dash' couple who dodged £80 bill using 'handbag trick'
• Police chief calls for major reform to crack down on shoplifting as quickly as rioters

She tried to mislead them by pretending that she was a different woman, who was actually in custody at the time. CCTV footage proved that it was Cherowbrier.

Allsop told the court: “She was interviewed without a solicitor and answered 'no comment' to most questions but she said she had never stepped foot in that Sainsbury's in her life and denied it was her on the footage.”

She later admitted to five guilty theft charges and one of affray.

The total of the items stolen came to £887.90.

The grandmother of Middle Oxford Street, Castleford, has 74 offences to her name, including some for carrying a knife and theft.

Judge Richard Mansell KC said her lengthy criminal record was “obviously” down to her being a long-time drug addict.

John Bottomley, defence, stated: “She is remorseful for this offence. She has spoken to a probation officer who has recommended a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

“She has been remanded since the 4th of April, almost seven months that is equivalent to a 14-month sentence. She tells me she has used her time in prison well and is an enhanced prisoner.”

The 40-year-old was given a 15-month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, and a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement.