By Grant McCabe

A WOMAN who used black bin bags as a bizarre disguise as she staged an armed robbery at a Barrhead shop has been ordered to spend almost four years behind bars.

Denise Caisley, 32, was armed with two large knives as shoppers fled in terror at the Costcutters branch, in Cross Arthurlie Street, in March last year.

She had earlier told one passer-by: “Back off, I'm going in to do that shop.”

The 32-year-old Barrhead woman didn't manage to get any cash, however, after failing to get a till open.

She later told police two mystery men had made her commit the crime.

Caisley was today jailed for three years and 10 months at the High Court in Glasgow.

She had earlier pleaded guilty to the assault and robbery charge.

Lord Boyd told a weeping Caisley that the raid must have been “frightening for all those present”.

Caisley will also be subject to a 12-month supervised release order when she is freed.

The court heard how she had been spotted “creeping” outside the Costcutters at around 7pm on March 1 last year.

Her hands were behind her back, with a blade in each.

Caisley's bizarre outfit to try to hide her identity saw her wear large black bin bags and a mask to cover her face. She also had on dark leggings and latex gloves.

A man who was outside heard Caisley state that she was going “to do” the shop, so he yelled into the store that a robbery was taking place and told people to flee.

Caisley got behind the counter and initially tried to force open the till.

Prosecutor Mark McGuire said: “There was a woman and her young son standing, waiting to be served.

“Caisley began slashing at a display while they were standing less than three feet away.”

The court heard that the mum, her child and others managed to escape as the “increasingly irate” robber wildly stabbed at the till to get money.

Caisley then stormed outside and ordered staff to open the cash register – but they refused.

CCTV footage played in court showed Caisley return and begin to tear off covers from a cigarette display.

Mr McGuire: “She then took her time, apparently perusing the selection before removing a number of packets.”

The prosecutor said Caisley then “took a moment” to decide what else to steal.

She eventually snatched alcohol before running out of the store, with the bin bags flailing.

Shoppers were able to tell police where Caisley had gone once officers turned up at the scene.

When caught, she still had on the bags and mask. Two knives were also recovered.

Caisley told officers: “Two guys made me do it. I'm sorry, it's not my fault.”

In court, she also admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner.

John McElroy, defending, said Caisley had spoke of “hating herself” for what she had done, adding that she was “ashamed” of her actions.

He told the court: “This is a very serious situation and it is inevitable that she will be sent to custody.”