A TYNEDALE woman who admitted stealing a bottle of vodka from a supermarket as well as two driving offences has been given a suspended prison sentence.

On March 30, Northumbria Police received a report that a woman had stolen a bottle of alcohol from Waitrose in Hexham before fleeing quickly from the scene.

Her whereabouts were tracked as she drove not far from the supermarket, and when officers arrived, they discovered she also was disqualified from driving and not in possession of insurance for the vehicle.

At Newcastle Magistrates' Court last month, Sharon Bethell, 59, admitted stealing a bottle of vodka as well as reading glasses, to the value of £32.40. 

She also pleaded guilty to charges of driving whilst disqualified, and driving with no insurance at a McDonald's car park.

On Tuesday (May 9)  at the same court, Bethell, of Toll Bar Cottages, Stocksfield, was sentenced to eight weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.

She was also ordered to pay compensation of £32.40, court costs of £85, and a £154 victim surcharge.