A COUPLE landed themselves in court after they hurled abuse at a woman who had come to evict them from their home.

Kimberley Anne Hodgson and Paul Joseph Morgan, of no fixed address, appeared before magistrates’ in Carlisle yesterday (June 4).

Outlining the prosecution’s case, Pam Ward said: “Mr Morgan started jumping around, the witness thought violence might follow. He said ‘I will go back to jail for you’. He then shouted ‘I will get the gypsies on you’.

“Miss Hodgson said ‘you are all disgusting, you don’t act like human beings. She kept shouting. The victim didn’t know what to do.”

Mrs Ward also outlined other abusive words and phrases that were used by the pair.

The couple admitted to being abusive, but denied making any threats. They were also accused of jointly stealing two bottles of Jack Daniels and three beef joints, which were valued at £114 from the Caldewgate Sainsbury’s store on May 31.

Both Hodgson and Morgan pleaded guilty to the thefts and using threatening and abusive words or behaviour. Speaking on behalf of the co-defendants, Rachel Dixon said: “Both have recently been released from custody, they are still waiting for benefit payments.

“The mitigating factors are a lack of funds and that they have had nowhere to stay. They have stolen to sell on so they can stay at the property, as they will have nowhere to live.

“They have received a number of prison sentences that have seen them back into prison again. Coming out of prison with no benefits, they feel they have to steal. They are in a vicious cycle they want to get out of.”

The abusive words and behaviour were a result of being frustrated at being evicted from Turning Point, she added. Both were given a six month conditional discharge, and were each ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge, a £120 fine and £57 compensation.