Laura Smith, 41, stole hundreds of pounds worth of goods from shops such as Morrisons and Asda in Bradford and Pudsey
14:29, 15 Jan 2026Updated 14:31, 15 Jan 2026
A drug addict shoplifter who used her mobility scooter to barge past staff and threatened to stab a pregnant employee with a sewing needle has been jailed for a total of four years. Laura Smith, 41, of no fixed abode, committed a spate of offences between May and July last year in Bradford - despite her efforts to get clean of drugs while on remand at New Hall Prison.
Bradford Crown Court heard that Smith, who was hoping to undergo a hip replacement operation at the end of this month, was said to have stolen hundreds of pounds worth of goods from shops such as Morrisons, Asda and B&M in Bradford and Pudsey.
During the most serious incident, Smith had produced a needle and terrified a female member of staff who was in the early stages of her pregnancy. New Hall Prison Recorder Andrew Dallas told Smith that she had to realise that the sentencing exercise was not just about her, but also about what she did and the effect it had on other people and businesses.
She admitted two offences of attempted robbery and two of robbery, and the judge told her that he was sorry if her operation couldn’t take place, but he said she had put herself in that position. “You are where you are because of your commission of serious offences,” the judge told Smith over a prison video link.
He said Smith had brandished needles when committing previous offences, and the latest crimes involved prolonged confrontations with staff who were trying to get property back from her.
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