South Shields mum gets jail term after admitting opportunistic burglary that lasted 'less than ten seconds'

Katie Shone was on her way up the stairs to a first floor flat after finding the front door open last August.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 33-year-old was collared by the householder, who was outside painting her neighbour's front door.

Prosecutor Graham O'Sullivan told the court: "She became aware of the defendant, in a red dress, on the stairs leading up to her flat.

"She was on about the fourth stair up when she saw her.

"The complainant challenged the defendant, saying 'get the **** out of my house, what do you think you are doing?'.

"The defendant came out."

The court heard Shone claimed she had been looking for "Reggie Beggie" at the flat in South Shields, then warned the victim: "I'm putting your windows out tonight".

Shone, of Ryton Court, South Shields, who has 45 previous convictions on her record and was on a suspended prison sentence for driving offences at the time, pleaded guilty to burglary.

Judge Sarah Mallett sentenced her to nine months behind bars.

The court heard the prison term means Shone will be back on the streets almost immediately due to the time she has spent behind bars on remand.

She must continue to abide by the requirements of the previous suspended sentence order.

Lorraine Mustard, defending, said Shone was inside the property for "less than ten seconds" and nothing was stolen.

Miss Mustard said shone is now determined to deal with her family responsibilities and said the time she has spent in custody, which is more onerous during the pandemic, has "given her the shake she has needed".

Miss Mustard added: "She is now ready to turn her life around."

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