Shoplifter jailed after stealing Nike jumper from JD Sports Workington

Nicola Moore, 39, breached a Criminal Behaviour Order which prevents her from entering shops in Workington town centre, when she stole a jumper and then attempted to steal a jacket the following day.

Outlining the case at Workington Magistrates’ Court, prosecutor Pamela Fee said the defendant entered JD Sports in Workington on the morning of October 13. Moore took a Nike jumper worth £60, placed it into a Co-op bag and then purchased two items but not the jumper.

The following day she went into the Trespass store in Workington and took a jacket, making no attempt to pay. Staff saw her and intervened.

Moore was located at Workington Bus Station a short time later and matched the description from the attempted theft.

She was interviewed by police but remained silent. The court heard that the Probation Service intended to recall her to prison.

Moore, of Peter Street, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop, attempted theft from a shop and two breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Mike Woolaghan, defending, said: “She has been out of prison for very limited time. She was on licence when the offences were committed.

“The causative factor behind the offending behaviour is the misuse of alcohol. After being released, she was drinking very shortly after. Alcohol remains an entrenched and significant issue.”

Mr Woolaghan said the criminal justice system did not have the resources available to deal with social deprivation and addiction issues.

He said: “I can confirm after entering a custodial environment, Ms Moore asked for help with alcohol issues. She waited seven and a half weeks for a place to be available.

“She had one meeting then was released.”

Mr Woolaghan described a ‘revolving door syndrome’ in which the court would keep seeing the defendant.

Magistrates imposed a 10-week custodial sentence. Moore must pay £60 in compensation, a £154 victim surcharge and £85 costs on her release from prison.