A SHOPLIFTER drove her car at a security guard after raiding a Southampton supermarket.

Michelle Browne accelerated towards the woman after loading up her car following a “shoplifting spree” at ASDA in Portland Terrace.

Her victim, who said she feared for her life, was forced to jump out of the way during the incident on December 31 last year.

Daily Echo:

Browne had stolen around £160 in goods but been spotted by staff, a court heard.

The 50-year-old of Lavender Close, Southampton was stopped at the car park barrier and forced to hand some items back.

However, when one guard stood in front of her car she verged towards her and then accelerated with the remaining stock on her back seat.

The mother of two appeared at Southampton Crown Court yesterday charged with theft, dangerous driving, and failing to stop at the scene of an accident. She had previously pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court heard how, despite not suffering serious injuries, her victim was left with an injured wrist.

Daily Echo:

Browne has 11 previous offences which include theft and shoplifting. In 2004 she was convicted of dealing Class A drugs.

Defence barrister Nick Robinson said that his client sincerely apologised for her behaviour and argued that a custodial sentence would impact her daughter’s welfare.

During sentencing, Judge Christopher Parker QC slammed her deliberate actions saying how her victim could only think of her two small children and the fact she could have been killed as a result of Browne’s actions.

He noted how Browne’s victim had said it was the worst thing that had ever happened to her while working at the shop.

He considered the dangerous driving offence so serious that he had to impose an immediate sentence.

She was jailed for a total of ten months and will eventually be released on licence.

Browne was disqualified from driving for two years starting from when she gets out of prison.