A SERIAL thief has been remanded in custody after pleading guilty to theft, assaulting a paramedic and a police officer, and using threatening behaviour.

Amanda Longstaff (36), of Saint Johns Road, Hexham, admitted 13 charges of theft, three charges of using threatening behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, three charges of assault and one charge of failing to show up to court.

On Friday, North Tyneside Magistrates' Court heard how Longstaff assaulted a police officer in Hexham on May 14 and a paramedic at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, in Cramlington, on September 13.

She initially pleaded not guilty, but later changed her plea to guilty.

The 36-year-old stole goods to the value of £170.75 across 17 days in Hexham town centre, including five packets of Nicorette quick mists to the value of £105 from Superdrug, on Fore Street, and £36 worth of alcohol, Dettol, Amaretto and eight cans of Strongbow Dark Fruit from Iceland supermarket.

A court heard how Longstaff also used threatening behaviour with the intent of causing unlawful violence on July 13 and was charged with assault in a Hexham shop on July 21.

She was remanded in custody until October 29 when she will reappear before North Tyneside Magistrates' Court.