Kirkby shoplifter is trying to beat 12-year addiction to hard drugs

Kelly Bailey took the items from a store on Lowmoor Road, Kirkby, on October 3, Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard.

Daniel Wilshaw, prosecuting, said the offence happened a week before she appeared in court for shoplifting in July, for which she was fined.

Bailey, care of Edward Street, Kirkby, admitted shop theft.

Nicola Thorpe, mitigating, said Bailey stole to fund her heroin addiction and is willing to repay Tesco the £40.

She said Bailey, aged 35, has been an addict for 11 to 12 years, but recently referred herself to the substance misuse charity Change Grow Live.

“She has reduced the amount of heroin she has been taking,” said Ms Thorpe. “She was evicted from her home in October but has been staying with a friend.

“She is trying to sort out her addiction and she seems to be in a better place.”

Bailey was fined £93 and ordered to pay £40 compensation, a £37 surcharge and £85 costs.

Magistrates noted Bailey has been jailed “multiple times” for shop theft.

They told her: “The bench feels, looking at your record – which is not a pretty one for shop theft – the next time you are back in court you will be looking at custody.

“You need to follow that CGL referral up and sort out the drugs. I am sure you have heard this many times before.”