A MOTHER-of-three who pulled a knife on a store detective after being caught shoplifting avoided a jail sentence yesterday.
Mandy Massey, 33, was confronted by the guard after she was seen stealing items from the Co-Op in Normanby, near Middlesbrough. She brandished a three-inch blade before fleeing from the shop, Teesside Crown Court was told.
Sarah Mallett, prosecuting, said Massey, of Herbert Street, North Ormesby, had more than 60 previous convictions, mainly for shoplifting.
Christine Egerton, defending, said the former heroin addict was now on a methadone programme and was putting her life back together.
Judge Aleric Dalziel said he was minded to jail Massey, but had been persuaded to give her a chance. He sentenced her to a 12-month community rehabilitation order.
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