A HOMELESS heroin addict risked hurting others when she waved a knife in front of two Good Samaritans.

Tina Harris waved the knife, which had a five inch blade, in Foregate Street in Worcester following a row over a cigarette.

A couple, who had given Harris and other homeless people leftover university food, ran away when they saw the knife.

Harris, of Fitzwilliam Close, Worcester, was already a serving prisoner in HMP Eastwood Park when she appeared at Worcester Crown Court via video-link to be sentenced on Friday.

The 33-year-old had already admitted possession of an offensive weapon on September 21 at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Laura Culley, prosecuting, said Harris had brandished the knife on September 19.

Chelsey Rowan and Thomas Schewitz, a couple who attended the University of Worcester, decided to go to Foregate Street with some food left over from a university event to give it to homeless people there.

Miss Culley said an argument then broke out over a cigarette during which Miss Rowan heard Harris threaten somebody else in the group, saying she would ‘smash’ a woman referred to in court only by her first name of Jodie. Miss Rowan and Mr Schewitz attempted to break up this argument.

“During the course of this argument this defendant has produced a knife from her jacket and is described by Chelsey Rowan as swinging it out in front of her.

“In response she was shaken and said: ‘Oh my God, she has got a knife – run!’” said Miss Culley.

Police attended and Harris voluntarily showed them the knife which was by then in a bag. “She told the police she carries it for protection” said Miss Culley.

Harris has 13 convictions for 16 offences. She has one previous conviction for possession of an offensive weapon from 2002.

Ian Speed, defending, said Harris had a chaotic lifestyle and had been homeless with a drink and heroin habit. Her time in custody had allowed her to get free of drugs and she is on medication.

He said: “She hopes to put her life back together. I say this so she can hear me – it’s in her hands.”

Mr Speed asked the judge to take into consideration her early guilty plea.

Recorder Allan Dooley said Harris had brandished the knife in a very public place.

“It’s difficult to imagine anything more threatening to those around you,” he said. “I’m satisfied that you did use the knife to threaten somebody, that the circumstances surrounding that offence were dangerous in the sense that you created dangers for others and there is no question in my mind the custody threshold has been passed.

“I note you have had many opportunities in the past and you have failed to avail yourself of them. Perhaps that will give you food for thought.”

Harris was jailed for 10 months of which she can expect to serve half in custody and half on licence. She was also ordered to pay a £140 victim surcharge.

Recorder Dooley further ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the knife.