Woman took blades into supermarket

A WOMAN carried three knives into an Asda branch in Bristol.

Rebecca Cutsforth, of Tewther Road in Hartcliffe, says she was having a “mental health crisis” when she took the weapons into the supermarket on East Street in Bedminster on April 3.

The 23-year-old appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court, admitting an assault on a police officer and possession of three blades.

Her lawyer Mark O’Donnell said she had intended to use the knives to self-harm. He acknowledged she faces the prospect of time in jail because of her “lengthy” past record of weapon possession offences.

Prosecutor Caitlin Brown said the defendant had been reported missing by her mother.

“Police were passed the number of the defendant by her mother. They called her and she said she would wait for them to arrive at Asda,” she said.

“Officers found her to be in possession of a Stanley blade under her sleeve. A further blade was found taped to her ankle and another in her rucksack.”

Police also found a cable saw, foldable hand scissors and a bottle of prescribed medication. They took her to Ashmead Road police station in Keynsham.

“While in custody the defendant had removed her left hand from her handcuff and a single bar from the handcuff had become undone,” the prosecutor added. When officers opened her hand, they found she had a small black handcuff key.

“She was not being compliant and she kicked PC Elmer in the leg,” Ms Brown said.

Mr O’Donnell said: “It goes without saying she had serious mental health issues when this matter arose. Just prior to being arrested she had been discharged after being sectioned under the S136 of the Mental Health Act.”

He pointed out Cutsforth had informed police of the weapons on her person.

Cutsforth was bailed until her sentencing on July 1. A presentence report will be made ahead of the next hearing.