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.

Sarah Cherowbrier walking into the shop and recklessly filling up bags before walking off without paying

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The grandmother carried out her spree between March 29 and April 4

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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.

Leeds Crown Court heard that Cherowbrier stole hundreds of pounds of goods in five separate incidents from the same store

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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.