A thief was caught in the act using a saw and pliers to cut her way into a shop's compound to steal garden furniture.
Sarah Ayre and a man were captured on CCTV damaging a fence to gain entry to the outdoor area of Home Bargains, in Walker. The police were called and officers found the pair crouched in a corner of the compound, a court heard.
The prolific crook, of Denmark Street, in Byker, had twice been due before magistrates to face charges of going equipped for burglary and criminal damage but failed to show on both occasions and a warrant was issued for her arrest. The 46-year-old was finally detained this week and appeared in the dock in custody, having previously pleaded guilty to both offences, to learn her fate.
