A prolific shoplifter has been handed a further community order after stealing £118.18-worth of Freddo chocolate bars during a three-day spree in Blyth. Gemma Hall, 35, of Cowpen Road, Blyth, pleaded guilty to four counts of shop theft at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court.
Hall, who once threatened to throw acid on a shop worker while holding a jar of yellow liquid that turned out to be cider, targeted Farm Foods in Blyth three times in as many days.
Details of the thefts
Chike Anieto, prosecuting, said Hall first stole £70-worth of meat products from the Co-op in Blyth on February 5 this year. On May 7, she targeted Farm Foods twice in the same day, taking £80-worth of goods and then £83.90-worth of Fairy detergent.
On May 10, Hall returned and took chocolate, including Freddo bars, to the value of £118.18. A member of staff tried to stop her, but she managed to leave the store. She was later identified from CCTV and arrested.
Court outcome
The court heard Hall had 49 offences on her record, mainly for theft, and was on a community order at the time. David Parish, defending, said: "Gemma has suffered with drug and drink misuse problems and continues to do so. Her offending has reduced. This is her first appearance before the court since July last year. For Gemma, this is a long time to stay out of trouble."
Hall was given a 12-month community order and banned from entering Farm Foods in Blyth.
