A grandmother who admitted stealing and trespassing has been given a six-month suspended sentence.

Karen Henderson, 58, of Sandys, has also been put on probation for one year.

Henderson pleaded guilty on September 24 to stealing a slice of pizza and trespassing at Arnold’s Market in Sandys on two occasions. She had said she had no money and was hungry.

Henderson had been remanded in custody for four weeks awaiting a social inquiry report, the results of which are not yet available.

Senior Magistrate Juan Wolffe said that if the defendant chose Drug Court he would like to keep her in custody. “It’s our duty to break the cycle” he told Magistrates’ Court but Henderson refused.

She was given probation and will receive alcohol and drug treatment through Court Services. If she reoffends, Henderson will serve six months in prison.

Representing the defendant, Cindy Clarke said she was very emotional and was still mourning the death of her 16-year-old grandson Shijuan Mungal who died earlier this month. A woman has been charged with his murder.