A SUPERMARKET worker feared she would be assaulted after approaching a shoplifter who had “a look of anger”.  

Jody Barnes, 29, entered Tesco in Workington on April 30. She was seen to leave the store with food and alcohol without making payment, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the defendant returned to the store on May 10. Barnes placed items into bags and then pushed the trolley out of the store, making no attempt to pay.

Barnes was asked by a member of staff if she had anything with a security tag. The defendant was putting the items into the boot and then swore in the face of the member of staff.

A statement read to the court from the Tesco employee said: “She had a look of anger and I feared she was going to strike me.

“The way she looked at me – it made me feel like she was dangerous.”

A colleague said the victim was “shaken” and “scared” by what had happened.

Barnes gave ‘no comment’ during police interview.

Ms Fee said the defendant had to be recalled to prison due to being on a licence period.

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Barnes, of the Cumberland Hotel, Station Road, Workington, pleaded guilty to common assault and two charges of theft from a shop.

John Cooper, defending, said: “I was here when she got her custodial sentence. I hoped it would help her out in some ways.”

Mr Cooper said the defendant had been taken to the store on both occasions and was told what to steal to pay a debt off.

Passing sentence, magistrates said they believed the custody threshold had been passed.

Barnes was sentenced to 14 days in custody. She must pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge on her release from prison.