‘Possessed’ woman went on rampage in store and told staff: ‘I run this town’

But judge decides to give her a chance

- Sentinel Reporter

A HOMELESS woman strangled a police officer - after being evicted.

Paige Johnson, aged 32, had been kicked out of The Lyme Trust, Newcastle, when she attacked the police officer.

Six days later Johnson lost her temper in a Biddulph shop telling staff, ‘I run this town! She threw items around the store causing damage before stealing goods.

Now Johnson has been sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.

Police had been called to The Lyme Trust on December 12. Johnson - who had been evicted a week earlier - still had her clothing bagged up and locked herself in a communal bathroom where she had a bath.

Prosecutor Matthew Ness said: “She asked to be taken to Newcastle town centre where she could present herself as homeless the following morning. She took her clothes out of the bag and threw them around the police vehicle. An officer helped the defendant put the clothes back in the bag. The defendant did not want to get out of the police vehicle. After a time she did get out but then tried to get back in. An officer closed the door to stop her getting back in.