Latest news with #Cranstons
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Serial Carlisle shoplifters face jail as they run out of chances
JAIL terms have been handed to two prolific shoplifters from Carlisle who refused to mend their ways - despite being given a chance to reform last month. Danielle Nicholson, 35, admitted five thefts and a police assault, which involved her kicking an officer as she and her co-defendant Matthew Thompson, 31, were being detained. He admitted eight thefts. The latest appearance at Carlisle's Rickergate court came just weeks after defence lawyers told magistrates the defendants, of Mayfield Avenue, Carlisle, can be rehabilitated. The targets for crime spree, which happened over several weeks, included: Cranstons at Orton Grange, where the defendants twice stole meat, with a total value in excess of 200 on days in June and July; TK Maxx in Carlisle city centre, where they stole two handbags on August 1. The Co-op store in Central Avenue, Harraby. Booths supermarket in Penrith, where they stole booze worth £460 on July 1. Thompson admitted taking a tips jar from the Central Café in Harraby on June 19. It contained around £200. He also stole from a Spar Shop on Petteril Bank Road, Carlisle, and the One Stop store in Fusehill Street, Carlisle. Anthony Wilson, for Nicholson, said the thefts had been 'joint enterprise' offending but it was Thompson who was the 'main player.' Nicholson had just 'gone along with it,' he said. READ MORE: Prolific Carlisle shoplifters given chance to mend their ways Referring to the police assault, Mr Wilson said Nicholson felt that the officer who arrested her was 'aggressive' as he put her into handcuffs. 'She was being taken to the van and Mr Thompson was being pava sprayed,' said the lawyer. 'She took the opportunity to lash out and kick him [the officer] on the legs, thankfully causing no injury.' The defendant was concerned that a jail term would lead to the loss of her accommodation, said Mr Wilson. He added that the background for Nicholson included the recent death of a family member. The lawyer said: 'Her son, aged 19, has just come back into his life and she wants to be a better role model for him. She wants to stop offending.' Mr Wilson added that Nicholson had a lot of problems in her life and wants to work with the Probation Service to get the help she needs. Duncan Campbell, for Thompson, said the defendant had suffered from depression, a problem he had sought in the past to address by using cocaine. 'He dealt with that himself,' said the lawyer. 'He no longer takes it. But unfortunately, when everybody who has had the habit of using cocaine has to pay for that and he was under pressure to pay off those debts. "Hence the thefts. 'He needed to pay off people who were otherwise threatening to cause him harm. It's a sad story in that respect.' Nicholson was jailed for ten weeks and Thompson for 12 weeks. In both cases, the sentences included previously suspended jail terms. Both were told to pay compensation to the shops they stole from.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cranstons Brampton nominated for 'Best Butchers 2025' award
We're highlighting the shortlisted butchers, delis and farm shops in our competition in the News & Star. Each of the establishments will be featured over ten issues. Cranstons (Brampton Food Hall) has been nominated by News & Star readers as one of ten finalists in its 'Best Butchers, Delis or Farm Shops 2025' award. Mark Mallinson, the area manager of the store which opened in 2016, told the News & Star that it was 'fantastic' to be put forward by their customers. He said: 'It's so nice to be thought so much of. We go out of our way to help and support the community when we can so it's fantastic to be put forward. It's nice that they feel we are good enough.' READ MORE: Ten finalists in the News & Star's best Farm, Deli or Butchers Shop 2025 award David Dobson, Assistant Manager, Steven Davidson, Assistant Manager, Rhys Farrar and Hospice at Home representatives (Image: Cranstons) The food hall has created a local community within Brampton. Out of the small team of 14, 13 people are from Brampton itself. Mark, who did his apprenticeship at Cranstons and has been in the industry since 1988, added: 'Everybody knows somebody. It helps us build rapport with the customers, we see them through happy times and their bad times. But they know the staff so it works both ways. 'It's not just about the food. We can serve 3,000 people in a week, but we still know people and their faces! The more people who come back prove they have confidence in us.' The team also help local schools, visiting primary schools to teach them about careers at Cranstons and secondary schools to help with GCSE food preparation and practical skills. READ MORE: Red Herring Escape Rooms, Carlisle crowned Best Family Indoor Entertainment 2025 The butchers counter at Cranstons in Brampton. (Image: Cranstons) Cranstons is well known for selling local produce and Mark says their 'full traceability' makes a big difference. He said: 'It's local and it's fresh. If it's not made here, it's made in our Penrith butchery centre and kitchens, we take pride in working with local producers and farm suppliers." 'Everyone comes in for the Cumberland sausage! 'We do offer a range of high-quality produce – fresh bread baked on site, pies – everything!' News & Star readers will now be able to vote for their favourite finalist by picking up a copy of the daily newspaper between Monday, May 5, and Saturday, May 17.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Double gold for Cumbrian butchers at national awards
A Cumbrian butcher has won two gold awards at a national butchery competition. Cranstons was awarded the prestigious accolades at the Q Guild's Smithfield Awards for its Cumberland and caramelised onion sausage roll garland, as well as its topside and cheddar meatballs in a tomato sauce. The Smithfield Awards, which will be held at The Butchers' Hall in London on February 26, are an annual celebration of excellence in the trade, bringing together the best butchers from across the country. The entries are judged by a panel of industry experts, chefs, and food critics. Cranstons' 'Cumberland and Caramelised Onion Sausage Roll Garland,' a new take on a classic, features the company's signature sausage meat blended with rich caramelised onion chutney, enveloped in golden, flaky pastry. The 'Topside and Cheddar Meatballs in a Rich Tomato Sauce' is a fusion of topside beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and tangy tomato chutney, served in a tomato sauce. These gold award-winning products will now progress to the next stage, where they will compete for the prestigious diamond awards, ultimately leading to the coveted platinum champion title, awarded to the best food product in the UK. Cranstons is no stranger to success at the Smithfield Awards. Last year, its topside and cheddar burgers claimed the top prize, securing the platinum award and being named the best product in the country. Peter Potts, Cranstons' senior area retail manager, said: "Winning two gold awards this year is a fantastic achievement. "It's a real testament to our butchery, pie and kitchen team's dedication and expertise. "We take immense pride in crafting high-quality products, and it's brilliant to see that recognised on a national stage." According to the company, they have an ongoing commitment to premium ingredients and expert butchery, which aims to ensure their customers continue to enjoy some of the best handcrafted products available. As they advance to the next stage of the competition, all eyes will be on whether they can secure another top honour at the Smithfield Awards. For those wanting to sample the award-winning products, Cranstons invites customers to visit their stores and taste them for themselves.
