A Nelson shoplifter attacked a worker after he was caught stealing wine

Blackburn magistrates heard Amy Barnes stole wine and when challenged by a shop assistant she attacked her.

Barnes, 27, of Newfield Drive, Nelson, pleaded guilty to two charges of shoplifting and one of assault.

She was jailed for 20 weeks.

District Judge Alexandra Preston said the courts viewed attacks on shop workers very seriously.

“They’re just doing their job and shouldn’t have to put up with you stealing from them and then attacking them when challenged,” she said.

Susheela Regala, prosecuting, said Barnes entered the Spar store on Netherfield Road and selected three bottles of wine.

An employee intervened and video surveillance showed Barnes and the assistant arguing in the store.

As they walked through the door, still struggling, a man intervened and tried to take Barnes away.

“Outside the shop the victim was punched twice in the face and then dragged to the ground by his ponytail,” Miss Regala said.

She said the offenses were committed at around 8pm and earlier that day Barnes appeared in court and was sentenced to eight weeks in prison and a suspended sentence of 12 months for shoplifting.

At the time of the offense, Barnes was also subject to post-sentence supervision and a community order.

Mark Williams, defending, said the offenses were committed about eight hours after Barnes was sentenced.

“She has no desire to go to prison but accepts the position she has put herself in,” Mr Williams said.

He said as she left the store with the wine, a shopping cart was pushed in front of her, blocking her path.

“She is 12 weeks pregnant and has responded,” Mr Williams said.

“She admits that hitting the store employee was completely inappropriate.”