News Mother stashed stolen meat in baby's pram
A mother who walked out of a shop with a joint of beef in her pram has been given a conditional discharge.
Lisa Bentley, of Marshfield Avenue, appeared in Goole Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and admitted stealing meat valued £4.54 from the Co-op in Old Goole on October 20.
Prosecuting, Julie Laverack Glanville said: "Miss Bentley walked into the store and was seen on CCTV to walk to rear of the shop.
'She placed a joint of beef in her pram and walked out of the store, without offering payment."
The defendant was identified by staff and arrested by police three weeks later. She was interviewed at Beverley Police Station.
"She made a full admission," said Mrs Laverack Glanville. "She told police: 'That's all I took.'."
The court heard that Miss Bentley stole the meat in order to sell it and use the money to pay for electricity. However, when she found out it was not worth as much as she had thought, she ate it.
Defending, Amanda Holmes said her client, who has three children, was: "A lady who is clearly struggling with her finances.
"She surrendered herself when she became aware the police were looking for her," she said,
"She is very sorry and shameful that she has had to appear before the courts," she said.
"She describes herself as 'not a thief'."
Magistrates gave Miss Bentley a conditional discharge for 12 months, and ordered her to pay £4.54 compensation to the Co-op and £55 in court costs.
Published on 22nd November 2007 in News.
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