Drug-addicted shoplifter stole air fresheners from Burnley supermarket

A drug-addicted shoplifter, who stole air fresheners from Tesco, was making progress with her problems, a court heard.
Burnley Magistrates' CourtBurnley Magistrates' Court
Burnley Magistrates' Court

Mary Howarth (47), who has a long record, had also stolen whisky earlier, but didn’t recall it and it wasn’t recovered.

She was on post-sentence supervision when she struck and took the £53 haul from the Burnley store on September 30th.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The town’s magistrates were told Howarth had struggled to break free from people entrenched in the drugs world and to make a fresh start.

She now had a place in the Gateway Project, which was a supportive environment and was attending the Women’s Centre and Inspire, the drugs service, for treatment.

Her solicitor Mark Williams said: "She seems to be in a much more positive position, where she is able to work with the authorities.”

A probation officer told the court the defendant was on supervision for another seven months. She added: "Since moving to new accommodation she has made good progress in moving away from drugs use.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The defendant, of Mitre Street, Burnley, admitted theft from a shop. She was given a six-month community order, with a drugs rehabilitation requirement and was told to pay a £90 victim surcharge.

Mr Graham Jagger, chairman of the Bench, told Howarth: "It’s nice to hear that progress is being made.”