A 58-year-old woman found herself in Magistrates’ Court this morning — over a $3.99 slice of pizza.

Karen Henderson, of Sandys, admitted taking the food and entering a grocery store despite being banned from being on the premises.

The grandmother pleaded guilty to theft and trespassing at Arnold’s Market in Sandys on July 24 and to trespassing there on July 30.

Prosecutor Susan Mulligan told the court Henderson had been verbally abusive to store staff when they approached her and that she had previous convictions for the offences.

Henderson said at the time that she had been hungry and had no money.

Arnold’s Markets had informed Henderson by registered letter in October 2006 that she had been banned from entering their premises.

“You know that you were banned, not supposed to go to Arnold’s stores?” Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner asked Henderson.

“Yes,” she replied. “I’m sorry, your honour.”

Mr Warner asked if Henderson had issues with alcohol as she seemed unsteady on her feet and had slurred speech.

“Have you been drinking ma’am?” he asked. “You seem to be behaving like you’ve been drinking today.”

Henderson said her grandson had just died, so she had been busy and was tired.

Her 16-year-old grandson, Shijuan Mungal, passed away earlier this month and a woman has been charged with his murder. Henderson wore a T-shirt bearing his picture to court.

Mr Warner said he feared releasing Henderson would result in her committing the offence again if she did indeed have an alcohol problem.

He ordered that she be remanded in custody for four weeks to await a social inquiry report, a psychological report and a BARC (Bermuda Assessment and Referral Centre) report. She will appear sooner if the documents become available.

“My only interest in dealing with you today is to try to assist you,” Mr Warner told the defendant. “Social services will get in contact with you with regards to what kind of help they can offer you.”