A serial shoplifter threatened a security officer and made "stabbing motions" towards him with a screwdriver when she was confronted for stealing. Kelda Russell had gone into Sainsbury's, in Heaton, and helped herself to a number of goods.
However, the 40-year-old immediately turned aggressive and grabbed a screwdriver, which she used to threaten a security guard, when she was stopped, a court was told. As well as shouting and swearing, she also made a "stabbing motion" at the victim, prosecutors said.
Offender admits theft, denies weapon charge
Russell, of Denmark Street, in Byker, previously admitted a shoplifting offence in relation to the incident but denied threatening a person with an offensive weapon. She was sentenced for the theft matter and the weapon charge was listed for trial.
However, in the meantime, Russell went on to commit numerous other shoplifting offences and was locked up for 24 weeks in December last year. She was due to stand trial last week but she failed to show, the case was proved in her absence and a warrant was issued for her arrest.
Case outlined at Newcastle Magistrates' Court
Russell appeared in custody at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week, where Christopher O'Brien, prosecuting, outlined the case. He said: "On January 16 2025, while stealing from Sainsbury's, the defendant had a screwdriver and made stabbing gestures with it towards a security guard when he approached her."
The court heard that Russell had 33 offences on her record. John Kirkham, defending, said Russell was now making progress in her life.
He said: "She has now got accommodation - that's a step forward as she didn't have accommodation before - and she's on a methadone script. There are concerns about her being exploited. There has, however, been no more offending since being released from prison."
Case adjourned for pre-sentence report
Telling her that she faced a further stint in prison, magistrates adjourned the case for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Russell was released on unconditional bail to next appear back at the same court on September 25.
