Woman who attempted to bribe witness jailed

Karen Davison's offer of £300 was spurned, and police were informed of the attempted inducement of the witness.

The bribe was made in a phone call to the man, who was a witness in a case involving her boyfriend at the time.

Durham Crown Court heard that it led to Davison coming under investigation, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Kathryn Dunn, prosecuting, said Davison made the monetary offer in a mobile phone call to the man, last July.

But Miss Dunn said it fell on deaf ears, as the witness, effectively, told Davison, "to go away".

"She was interviewed by police and, at first, denied making the calls," said Miss Dunn.

"Then she admitted calling, but denied making the offer of money."

The court was told that 27-year-old Davison was subject of a suspended prison sentence for a drugs offence at the time.

She has now breached that suspended sentence three times, but the custodial element was not activated for the two previous breaches.

Jane Waugh, mitigating, said Davison was easily influenced.

"Her boyfriend at the time had the reputation of a man who was not to be crossed," she said.

"She has a four-year-old daughter and has an offer of accommodation out of the area, which she is keen to take up."

She added: "Ms Davison has never been to prison, and is terrified at the prospect of custody."

Davison, of Milton Avenue, Blackhall Colliery, County Durham, admitted perverting the course of justice.

Jailing her for four months, Judge Richard Lowden said: "You carried out a very serious offence by taking part in an attempt to pay off somebody.

"We need courts. They are there to protect people, and any society which tries to get around using them, soon descends into lawlessness."

Judge Lowden said it represented the third breach of her suspended sentence.

"People must realise that suspended sentences will turn into real ones if further offences are carried out," he added.