A woman has dodged jail after stealing from a shop and resisting a police officer while already serving a suspended sentence for similar crimes.

Jenna Harris, of Lincoln Drive in Watford, was caught stealing wine, sweets and crisps worth just under £40 from Tesco in South Oxhey on Thursday, October 7.

On the same day the 51-year-old obstructed a police officer in the execution of his duty.

It comes after she was given a suspended 12-week prison sentence for 15 months on July 7 for six thefts from a shop, criminal damage and three assaults – one of which involved a police officer.

Watford Observer: Harris targeted the Tesco Express store in South Oxhey. Picture: Google Street View.Harris targeted the Tesco Express store in South Oxhey. Picture: Google Street View.

After pleading guilty to the latest crimes she was ordered to pay £58.90 and the previous suspended sentence period was extended to 18 months.

The court deemed it “unjust” to activate the suspended sentence due to the defendant’s cooperation and the prospect of rehabilitation.

Among the offences she was previously sentenced for was intentionally destroying £105.40 worth of groceries belonging to Tesco in South Oxhey on July 5.

On the same day she also assaulted three people including a police officer.