A mother who took part in a house raid where property was deliberately damaged has been spared jail.
Jade McMann and others broke into the house at Gibbons Walk, South Shields, while the owner was out having a meal last May 4.
Newcastle Crown Court heard yesterday that a television, microwave and other electrical items were damaged during the break-in.
Paul Rowland, prosecuting, told the court: “The victim said in a personal statement that he is scared to be in the house alone following the incident and is frightened some of the people responsible may return to cause more problems or hurt him.”
McMann, of Noble Gardens, South Shields, admitted burglary on the basis she was not personally responsible for any of the damage .
The 24-year-old also pleaded guilty to assaulting a female police officer who she kicked in the leg as she was being arrested for the break-in.
Judge James Goss QC sentenced McMann to five months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with supervision.
She was also ordered to pay £240 compensation to the burglary victim.
Lewis Kerr, defending, said McMann does her “very best” to look after her children.