A WOMAN of good criminal character until the age of 66 has now committed 15 offences in 18 months.

Susan Rigg, now 67, appeared from custody at Durham Crown Court after being arrested on a bench warrant, having failed to appear for a hearing, last month.

She was before the court for assaulting two prison officers, by coughing and spitting at them, while serving a sentence at Low Newton Prison, Durham, in April, and for burglary in which she stole a £4.50 bottle of Captain Morgan’s rum, from the Marsden Inn, in South Shields, in October, last year.

Rigg, of Rowan Court, South Shields, admitted the offences.

Judge Ray Singh told Rigg: “For some unbelievable reason, either aged 66 or 67, it’s the first time you have brought yourself to the attention of police.

“I can’t understand why you are starting to commit offences when you are now a pensioner.

“These are the sorts of offences that kids commit.”

But he added he was prepared to, “take a risk” on her, given she has spent four months in custody.

He imposed a seven-month sentence, suspended for two years, during which she must attend 35 probation-run rehabilitation activity days.

Judge Singh added that he hoped he wasn’t, “setting her up to fail”, warning that any breaches of the order would see her behind bars, again.

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