Sandra Hodgetts used a syringe filled with blood in a bizarre attempted robbery at Hungry Jacks

A hungry thief wielding a blood-filled syringe threatened to stab a fast food employee with it if she didn’t give her money . . . and a cheeseburger.

A woman who threatened a fast food employee with a blood-filled syringe has been given another chance.

Sandra Hodgetts, 53, avoided jail in the Adelaide District Court after she walked out empty-handed and hungry after the bizarre attempted robbery.

The court heard Hodgetts entered the Ingle Farm Hungry Jack’s on June 19, 2011.

“You put your right hand in your jeans pocket and pulled out a syringe filled with blood,” Judge Paul Slattery said during sentencing.

“You told the victim that ‘this is filled with blood’.”

The court heard Hodgetts pulled the cap off the syringe and said “give me all the money out of your register or I will stab you”.

The victim told Hodgetts she couldn’t open the till without a card so Hodgetts handed her $5 and asked for a cheeseburger.

“You repeatedly demanded your cheeseburger and yelled at (the victim) and her manager,” Judge Slattery said.

Another employee gave Hodgetts her cheeseburger which she knocked back over the counter and then walked out of the store.

Sandra Hodgetts avoided jail in the Adelaide District Court for her attempted robbery. Picture: File

Hodgetts, of Kilburn, had previously pleaded guilty to attempted robbery.

“You were introduced to alcohol and drugs at a very young age,” Judge Slattery said.

The court heard an arrest warrant was issued for Hodgetts in 2013 after she fled interstate.

Hodgetts was arrested after she attended the Elizabeth police station to report an incident.

“Whilst interstate you worked as a fruit-picker which you found meaningful and purposeful,” Judge Slattery said.

“I am told when you are released from custody you wish to obtain employment again in this area.”

Hodgetts had been in custody since May.

Judge Slattery sentenced Hodgetts to three years and five months jail, with a non-parole period of two years.

The sentence was suspended on a two year good behaviour bond for $500, with supervision for 12-months.