A PROLIFIC thief has been given a chance to prove herself but has been warned if she has any further slip-ups she will go back to prison.
Leanne Croke-Loveridge, of Newtown Road, Worcester, admitted her latest stealing spree earlier this month - a year after being jailed for stealing from the Co-op in Ronkswood and Tesco in Warndon.
Croke-Loveridge had admitted three thefts from a shop, the offences taking place between June 2 and July 24 this year.
Owen Beale, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, reminded the court that the 39-year-old had stolen £100 worth of bacon from Co-op, £150 of plants from Tesco and £144.58 worth of meat from Lidl.
Mr Beale said, in the Lidl theft, she filled a trolley full of meat and tried to leave without paying.
The prosecutor added her offending was aggravated by the previous thefts she was jailed for.
Gary Harper, defending, said Croke-Loveridge's offending was linked to drug taking and she had managed to abstain before.
But, the solicitor said, after a relationship breakdown she had taken drugs again.
READ MORE: Thief jailed a year ago returns to court to admit latest stealing spree
READ MORE: Man back in court after being caught driving while disqualified - again
A probation service representative said she had been assessed that Willowdene Care Farm - which offers residential rehabilitation and respite services - could support her.
Magistrates told Croke-Loveridge they were giving her an 18-month community order with 60 rehabilitation activity requirement days so the farm could provide that support.
Croke-Loveridge - who brought a bag in case of being sent to jail - was excluded from Lidl in Blackpole, Tesco in Warndon, Co-op in Lichfield Avenue.
She was ordered to pay £100 compensation to Co-op and £100 to Tesco but no order was made to pay Lidl as the meat was recovered.
There was also no order for costs or victim surcharge due to Croke-Loveridge's lack of means.
The £200 Croke-Loveridge owed to the courts was added to her benefits.
Magistrates told the defendant: "You are making an effort on your script - you are engaging well.
"You must continue to comply with probation - if you do that you won't come back to court.
"If you do any bench might feel custody is applicable."
The case was heard at the court on Thursday, (September 21).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel