Gran, 40, who can't stay away from Sainsburys dragged to court

A grandmother caused terror at a Sainsbury's, threatening a staff member with a needle. Sarah Cherowbrier, 40, repeatedly targeted the same supermarket to steal items such as shampoo, washing powder, and coffee.

Leeds Crown Court heard yesterday (Tuesday, October 29) that between March 29 and April 3, Cherowbrier embarked on a theft spree, amassing over £1,000 worth of goods. 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."

The police were eventually called on April 3 after Cherowbrier made two more visits to the store. They found Cherowbrier and a man close by, who misled them by claiming she was a different woman – one who was actually in custody at the time, reports Yorkshire Live.

Ms 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."

Cherowbrier later admitted guilt to five theft charges and one of affray. It emerged she had prior convictions for theft and carrying a knife.

In her defence, John Bottomley 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 court understood that Cherowbrier had exhausted all educational opportunities in prison as she had finished every course available.

Mr Bottomley added: "She has had a DRR [drug rehabilitation requirement] but only for six months. She likes that support and having that as a crutch she can rely on. Having that for 12 months will not just benefit her but the community. She has shown she can abstain from drugs and alcohol."

Cherowbrier's defence stated: "Over 10 years ago she was an alcoholic and has managed to abstain for over a decade. She was in Doncaster at the time. She didn't know the area in Pontefract and got in with the wrong crowd. She instructs me that upon her release from prison she will go to Doncaster. She will have the support from family, her parents. She has children and grandchildren."

His Honour Judge Mansell subsequently handed Cherowbrier a sentence of 15 months suspended for 12 months, along with a 12-month DRR. During sentencing, Cherowbrier became emotional and said: "I just want some help."