A BARROW woman has been jailed for assaulting a security guard after he accused her of stealing a bottle of cider.

Debbie Paisley, of Cook Street, admitted charges of assault by beating, attempted theft from a shop and possessing a quantity of cocaine.

Peter Kelly, prosecuting the case at South Cumbria Magistrates Court, said the defendant entered the Tesco Extra store on Hindpool Road on February 14 at 7.30 am and then became verbally aggressive after a security guard had stopped and questioned her over trying to steal a £2 bottle of cider.

He said the 37-year-old defendant then slapped the security officer to the face after a back and forth dispute.

Police were called as a result and the defendant was detained where she was also found to be in possession of a small quantity of cocaine for personal use, the court was told.

Mr Kelly said the complainant had previously dealt with the defendant and that she had been barred from entering the store.

In police interview, she told officers she had gone to the shop with the intention of stealing a bottle of cider because she had an alcohol addiction and could not deal with life without a drink in the morning, the court heard.

She further admitted to officers that she struggled with anger and that her life was currently a mess, the court was told.

Trystan Roberts, representing Paisley, said: “There was no injury caused but this was an unpleasant offence.

“The offence took place whilst she was subject to a community order for similar offences.

"That community order has worked to some extent, but there has been a low level of engagement due to this defendant’s chaotic lifestyle. She struggles with various mental health issues and substance misuse.

“Between 2015-2023 there was a gap in her offending. However, her family was torn apart not long ago after a personal tragedy.”

After contemplating their sentencing powers for over 20 minutes, magistrates decided that there was no other option but to imprison the defendant.

Sentencing the defendant to a 24-week custodial sentence, chair of the bench Gillian Sutton said: “There has been non-compliance with court orders. You are not doing what the court has asked you to do.”

Paisley was also ordered to pay £50 in compensation to the complainant.