South Shields thief targeted shops and took a bank card from a woman’s home
A mum targeted shops and a woman's home during a shocking thieving "spree".
Shoplifter Aimee Donaldson stole over £500 worth of stock from Sainsburys, Halfords, Morrisons, Iceland and Herons in South Shields and Boldon.
Newcastle Crown Court heard she targeted chocolate, washing pods, coffee and electrical items during ten separate thefts last year.
Prosecutor Neil Jones said it was on May 1 Donaldson crept into a house in South Shields and took property including a bank card.
Mr Jones said the victim had been washing dishes in the kitchen in the afternoon when she realised her home had been raided.
He told the court: "She heard a voice say 'get in'. This 'get in' was plainly directed at the complainant's pet dog, which was then seen coming back having been let out in the front street.
"Her small, hand held games console was found in the middle of the garden and she suspected someone had been in. Of course she was right, there had been an entry as a trespasser."
Mr Jones said Donaldson "didn't waste any time" in spending £17.50 using the victim's bank card at a shop a few minutes later.
Donaldson, 33, of Frederick Street, South Shields, admitted ten charges of theft, one of burglary, ,one of fraud and possessing a knuckle duster she as caught with in December 2024.
Robin Turton, defending, said Donaldson had experienced trauma, including witnessing her partner's murder and has mental health problems.
Mr Turton said Donaldson had used drugs, was homeless and became "overwhelmed by circumstances".
The court heard Donaldson, who appeared at the hearing in custody on remand, now has a stable home to go to and support.
Recorder Brian Whitehead told Donaldson: "You went on what might be described as a spree."
The recorder said Donaldson has a prospect of rehabilitation and sentenced her to 12 months suspended for two years with requirements.
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