A PREGNANT drug addict, who is a prolific shoplifter, was warned by a magistrate if she returned to court in future to "bring a bag and toothbrush" because she would go to jail.
Phillipa Lake, of Buckle Wood, Worcester, made her latest appearance at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday, (February 9).
The 36-year-old, who has 26 shoplifting offences on her record, admitted two new charges of theft from a shop.
Magistrates heard she had committed one of the thefts while subject to a deferred sentence.
Fatimer Yasmin, prosecuting, said Lake stole meats, alcoholic spirits, shaving razors and electrical items - valued over £300, from Sainsbury's in Blackpole at 8.25pm on June 4 last year.
The prosecutor said Lake also stole from Superdrug store in Worcester on October 4 last year, stealing Ferrero Rocher and Lindt chocolate as well as baby food valued at £103.52.
Magistrates heard there had been some degree of planning in her offending because, in the Superdrug theft, an accomplice was meant to stand by the fire exit to help her escape.
The court heard the deferred sentence related to thefts from Co-op and Sainsbury's also last year, and Lake had been placed on a community order.
Probation service representative Jayne Stewart told magistrates in the months since receiving the order: "compliance has been poor."
As part of the order, there was a drug requirement for Lake to prove she was making efforts to come off heroin, but the representative said the defendant had tested positive in a test taken in December.
Mark Turnbull, defending, said Lake had committed no offences throughout her life until 2021, with her spree of shoplifting linked to misuse of drugs.
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The solicitor said Lake had relapsed and taken heroin because she was pregnant and her methadone script was not in her system due to her being sick.
He added Lake had not committed any further offences since October.
After deliberations of more than 30 minutes, magistrates returned to the courtroom.
Chairman of the bench, Chris Mitchell, told Lake she was being jailed for eight weeks, but this would be suspended for a year.
"I can not stress enough this is your last chance," Mr Mitchell said.
"If you return (to court) you will need to bring a bag and toothbrush because you will be going to prison."
Lake was also ordered to pay compensation to the shops and court costs of £185.
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