Woman faces jail after admitting armed robbery

A female robber who wrapped herself in black bin bags as she raided a store has been locked up for almost four years.

Denise Caisley had two large knives as shoppers fled in terror at the Costcutters branch in Barrhead, Renrewshire in March last year.

She had earlier told one passer-by: “Back off, I'm going in to do that shop.”

The 32 year-old did not manage to get any cash after failing to get a till open. She later told police two mystery men had made her commit the crime.

Caisley was today jailed for three years and 10 months at the High Court in Glasgow.

She had earlier pled guilty to the assault and robbery charge.

Lord Boyd told a weeping Caisley that the raid must have been “frightening for all those present”.

Caisley will also be subject to a 12-month supervised release order when she is freed.

The court heard how Caisley had been spotted "creeping” outside the Costcutters around 7pm on March 1 last year.

Her hands were behind her back with a blade in each.

Caisley's bizarre outfit to try and hide her identity saw her wear large black bin bags and a mask to cover her face. She also had on dark leggings and latex gloves.

Caisley warned a man outside she was going “to do” the shop.

So concerned, he yelled into the store a robbery was taking place and told people to flee.

Caisley got behind the counter and initially tried to force open the till.

Prosecutor Mark McGuire said: “There was a woman and her young son standing waiting to be served.

“Caisley began slashing at a display while they were standing less than three feet away.”

Mum, child and others escaped as the “increasingly irate” robber wildly stabbed at the till to get money.

She then stormed outside and demanded staff open the cash register – but they refused.

CCTV footage played in court showed Caisley return and begin to tear off covers from a cigarette display.

Mr McGuire said: “She then took her time apparently perusing the selection before removing a number of packets.”

The prosecutor said Caisley then “took a moment” to decided what else to steal.

She eventually snatched alcohol before running out the store with the bin bags flailing.

Shoppers pointed to police where Caisley had gone when they turned up.

When caught, she still had on the bags and mask. Two knives were also discovered.

The robber told officers: “Two guys made me do it. I'm sorry, it's not my fault.”

Caisley, of Barrhead, also admitted in court to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner.

John McElroy, defending, today said Caisley had spoke of “hating herself” for what she had done adding she was “ashamed”.

Mr McElroy: “This is a very serious situation and it is inevitable that she will be sent to custody.”