Pendle coffee thief caught after second swoop in a week

The defendant admitted to two counts of coffee theft.

A shoplifter pinched coffee worth a total of more than Â£40 on two occasions within the space of eight days, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates were told how Nicola Hodson (43) was not detained the first time and the £23.96 haul, taken from B&M in Colne on July 20th, was not recovered.

Just over a week later on July 28th, she struck again at Home Bargains in Nelson, and helped herself to coffee worth £20. She was caught that time and owned up to the police.

Hodson, of Larch Street in Nelson, admitted two counts of theft. The defendant, who has a record for stealing, was now said to be engaging with Inspire, the drugs and drink treatment service.

Hodson was given an 18-month conditional discharge and was told to pay £85 costs and £23.96 compensation.