Thief stole carpet sweepers and assaulted a security guard in crimes at Morrisons and Asda supermarket branches

A carpet sweeper thief assaulted a security guard when she failed to make a clean getaway from a supermarket.

By Gareth Crickmer

Published 28th Jun 2022, 04:55 BST- 1 min read

Fiona Swinhoe, 32, grappled with the man at Morrisons in Jarrow, on June 6, a court heard.

Swinhoe, of Allendale Road, Farringdon, Sunderland, was apprehended after taking alcohol and a Hoover.

She struck while awaiting sentence for pinching two Shark vacuum cleaners and clothing from Asda Washington on October 19.

Prosecutor Clare Irving made no representations, but defence solicitor Jason Smith said: “She accepts she has an unenviable record in regard of dishonesty offences.

“It’s a common assault, it’s a tussle between herself and store security who was trying to recover the items. I would expect you’re going to require a report.”

Swinhoe pleaded guilty to theft from a shop and assault by beating, and had already pleaded guilty to the October theft.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a pre-sentence report and granted Swinhoe unconditional bail to be sentenced at the same court on July 18.